Liam Plunkett "back to his best" after inspiring Surrey win over Essex

The England seamer takes 4-50 in the 65-run win at The Oval after a troubling start to the campaign

Liam Plunkett believes his bad run of form is behind him after supercharging Surrey's first win of the season in the Royal London One-Day Cup against Essex.

The 34-year-old took 4-50 including two wickets in as many balls to help bowl the Eagles out for just 213.

Surrey had earlier survived an injury to opener Jason Roy to make 278 for 8 from their 50 overs. 

They would go on to lose Rikki Clarke and Ollie Pope to finger and shoulder injuries during the chase, which at one stage looked to be going the visitors' way.

But Plunkett struck in successive balls to dismiss Simon Harmer (28) and Ryan ten Doeschate (26) to deliver victory with more than seven overs remaining.

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Since arriving in south London, Plunkett has struggled to recapture his best form but marked his home List A debut for Surrey with a timely return to his best.

"I am pleased most of all that we won the game but also because I felt back to my best with the ball, having done some technical work with Richard Johnson (Surrey bowling coach) in the last couple of days," he told reporters.

"It was nice to finish with four wickets and I thought we bowled well as a group. It’s good to get back to the Oval, after two away fixtures, as there is always a bit of bounce in the pitch.

“Essex are a good side but we also fielded well, especially early on with some great stops in the ring and some great catches. 

"We then managed to break the Lawrence- Bopara partnership and finish off the game and it’s a good win. We can improve in our batting and there is now a big game coming up on Thursday against Middlesex.”