LIAM Plunkett believes Moin Ashraf will be ready to compete for a first-team place at Yorkshire this summer after a forgettable couple of years for the Bradfordian fast bowler.

After an exceptional summer of 2012 with both the red and white ball, particularly in Twenty20, Ashraf's career has hit the buffers somewhat due to injuries and a lack of form.

The 23-year-old paceman took 43 wickets in 30 first-team matches in 2012 – his breakthrough season – yet he has only taken 15 wickets in 13 appearances during the last two summers.

Especially last winter, Plunkett helped Ashraf devise a fitness programme, which he has followed since, and is now "flying" according to the England man.

Ashraf is currently spending his winter in Australia playing Adelaide grade cricket for the East Torrens club, where Phil Hughes played before his sudden death in November.

"Last winter we started it when I wasn't expected to go anywhere on tour and I just set my stall out to train," explained Plunkett, who Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie has described as the fittest cricketer in the world.

"I built a schedule for myself because I love my training and I asked Moin to come along, which he did. He got himself into good shape.

"Fitness-wise, yes, he's flying now. He's in a lot better shape and hopefully going away this winter can kick-start his cricket again and he can come back and fight for a place in the team.

"It's a huge year for him. He's signed a new one-year deal, so hopefully he'll take the challenge on and come back from Australia in a good frame of mind.

"Although it will be tough to break into the bowling attack we have at its strongest, there might be people missing at various stages and then there will be places to go for.

"We've got a lot of young bowlers coming through like Matt Fisher, who is getting better and better, Ben Coad and James Wainman too.

"There are a few players who may have overtaken him last year but I'm sure Mo will be there or thereabouts this year."

Ashraf has impressed for East Torrens this winter, taking 23 wickets in eight appearances including two five-wicket hauls and one four-for.