England's Liam Livingstone eyes ODI comeback after T20I batting promotion
Liam Livingstone, a key player in England's T20I team, is aiming for a return to the One Day International (ODI) squad. Despite being sidelined from the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia, Livingstone remains optimistic about his chances. Livingstone did well in England's defeat versus Australia in the 1st T20I. He scored 37 runs and picked three wickets. Notably, he was asked to bat at number four. Here's more.
Livingstone's T20I performance could influence ODI selection
Livingstone hasn't featured in the County Championship for the last two years and England's leading white-ball players no longer take part in the domestic 50-over competition. His selection for the ODI series in the Caribbean this November hinges on his T20 performance. Notably, England's Test players are likely to be unavailable. The same applies for his chances of playing in February's ICC Champions Trophy.
Livingstone's resilience and determination to play for England
Livingstone expressed his determination to continue playing for England despite recent challenges. "I want to play as much cricket for England as I possibly can. Unfortunately, I won't be playing in the ODIs but it's still not something I'm giving up on," said Livingstone to ESPNcricinfo. He acknowledged that his physical condition has been a factor in his performance, citing several injuries over the past few years.
Livingstone happy to bat up the order
Livingstone said he is happy to bat up the order for England in T20Is. "That's why I'm happy that I've got an opportunity to bat up the order [in the T20Is]. I feel like I've shown over the last couple of weeks, maybe a month, that the longer I get to bat in games, the more of a chance I have to affect games," he stated.
Livingstone's journey and future prospects in international cricket
Livingstone made a significant impact on his return to the T20I squad after four years, scoring a brilliant 42-ball century against Pakistan in 2021. However, his career has seen ups and downs due to recurring injuries. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to his role in England's squad. He stated, "I can run around at 100% in the field and I can bowl and bat to the best of my ability."
Livingstone's ODI and T20I batting numbers for England
In ODI's, Livingstone has amassed 558 runs in 25 matches at an average of 29.36. His highest score is 95* (three fifties). Livingstone has featured in 49 T20Is racking up 728 runs and striking at a rate of 148.26. His highest score is 103. The all-rounder owns one fifty as well. In the most recent T20I against Australia in England's ongoing tour, the all-rounder managed 37 off 27 balls. He smashed four boundaries and one six during his knock.
