Daily Times

Liam Livingstone said he is thriving on extra responsibility up the order after his 87 levelled England’s T20 international series with Australia at 1-1 on Friday with one match to play.

Australia had posted a big total of 193/6 thanks to Jake Fraser-McGurk’s first international 50 and contributions from captain Travis Head (31) and Josh Inglis (42).

But Livingstone had a starring role with both bat and ball to set up a winner takes all clash for the series in Manchester on Sunday. In his 50th T20 international, the spinner was the pick of the England bowlers with 2-16 despite only bowling three overs.

He then came to the crease with the hosts 34-2 inside four overs. Stand-in captain Phil Salt’s 39 off 23 deliveries helped his side rebuild but it was a blistering 90-run partnership off 47 balls between Livingstone and Jacob Bethell that swung the game England’s way.

“It is not easy coming in a five, six or seven. So moving up the order it gives me a bit more responsibility, time to bat, and I feel I am in decent nick at the moment with bat and ball,” said Livingstone, who has been hampered by injuries in recent years.

“Towards the end of the Hundred I felt I was getting my body back to normal, which is a thing that has bothered me the last couple of years. “It has taught me a few life lessons but I am enjoying my cricket and playing with a smile on my face.”