After scoring 56 in only his second one-day international Plunkett, 22, has struggled to bat at eight in the order.

"We're releasing him to play for Durham against West Indies A, mainly to get some batting under his belt in a match situation," said coach Duncan Fletcher.

"I think he could develop into a good bowling all-rounder who can bat at eight or nine, hopefully eight."

Plunkett will take part in the three-day game against the tourists, starting at the Riverside on Friday.

Plunkett's struggles at eight, in the absence of the injured Ashley Giles, have led to suggestions England could bring Andrew Flintoff back in his place, keeping the in-form Ian Bell at six.

Durham player Plunkett's bowling, though, has been the main focus of scrutiny since he has stepped into the injury-ravaged England attack.

He has impressed many observers but took just three wickets, at a cost of 80.66 each, during the one-day series defeat to Sri Lanka and two wickets in last weekend's drawn Test with Pakistan.

But Darren Gough, England's leading one-day international wicket-taker, believes Plunkett will show his potential when he gains confidence.

"He is a little bit off target at the minute but I've seen him bowl over the last couple of years and he's a better bowler than he has shown this summer," Gough told BBC Five Live.

"A lot of it is lack of confidence. If you're not taking wickets you're searching a bit harder and you're not as relaxed.

"When you're taking wickets everything seems to go your way and click into place. When you're so young the pressure of playing Test cricket in the big arena is not easy."