If the conditions had helped him secure career-best figures of 6-63 in the first innings, the five Plunkett claimed in the second were down to his own raw ability to bowl with speed and venom.

It brought him his first ten wicket haul in first-class cricket with eye-catching match figures of 11-119. The 24-year-old has found form at precisely the right time for Durham coach Geoff Cook with his two strike bowlers, Graham Onions and Steve Harmison, also on Lions duty this week.

Indeed, considering Plunlett’s performance here it will be fascinating to see who Cook – presuming Onions and Harmison are available – selects when Durham travel to Yorkshire in the Championship next week.

Mark Davies may be the odd one out, but it could be that either Callum Thorp or Mitch Claydon are also dropped despite playing such an integral part in the team this season.

Although Plunkett took the lion’s share in both innings, all Durham’s bowlers have contributed with wickets, including spinner Ian Blackwell.

The former Somerset man has grabbed attention with his batting in the middle order this season, but he does add a threat with his slow bowling, picking up two wickets – Ashley Noffke and Josh Knappett – as Durham looked to mop up the tail.

However, the two best moments belonged to the rehabilitated Plunkett, first when he scared Alexei Kervezee into taking his eyes off the ball.

The young South African born Dutch international was well in on 66, but could only top edge a looping catch to Phil Mustard.

Plunkett also produced another fantastic ball when he bowled Gareth Batty as the Worcestershire player embarrassingly shouldered arms.

Durham already have two bowlers on the fringe of England’s Test side, but it will not be long until Plunkett is knocking on the same door if he can maintain form and fitness over the next three months.