Liam Livingstone admits ‘I still want to be involved’ after playing small role in T20 World Cup, but insists he will be happy to stay under the radar if England manage to retain their title in the Caribbean this week.
- Liam Livingstone had limited roles with bat and ball in the Caribbean
- England booked their place in the semi-finals for the fourth time in a row
- Livingstone is happy to remain a supporting player if England manage to retain their title
Liam Livingstone has admitted he would be happy to remain England’s back-up player if England manage to win a third World Cup in five years this week in the Caribbean.
Livingstone faced just 33 balls in the tournament and bowled just seven overs, and admitted: “I don’t feel like I have the most glamorous role in this team.”
But he has contributed in each of England’s last two matches, scoring 33 from 17 balls to give South Africa a scare in St Lucia, then taking one for 24 in four overs against the United States in Barbados – only the sixth time he has done so. played his entire allowance in 47 T20 internationals.
And he said his occasional roles have proved a “mental challenge” as Jos Buttler continues to use him as a lower-middle-order hitter and a part-time spinner who can spin the ball both ways.
“When I was a kid, I always wanted to get involved,” he said. “That’s the reason I started bowling a few years ago. Batting at seven and maybe bowling an over – that’s where the hard part comes. That’s the mental challenge that this role brings. I’m in the team to finish games with the bat and get wickets with the ball when we’re struggling to get one.
Liam Livingstone has been limited to a small role at the T20 World Cup so far and is happy for things to stay the same if England can retain their title.
He made a useful contribution with the bat in England’s narrow defeat to South Africa.
He also played all of his overs against the United States on Sunday and is ready to replace Jos Buttler’s men if necessary ahead of Thursday’s semi-final.
“But that’s the role I play and the best way for me to do well for the team is to make sure I’m on top whenever I need to be. Hopefully I won’t have I don’t need these next two games and we can win a World Cup. If I’m needed, I feel like I’m in a decent place.
Livingstone’s interventions were brief but revealing. He hit 61 from 33 balls, including five sixes, and claimed the crucial wicket of West Indies captain Rovman Powell in England’s stirring victory in St Lucia.
And he picked the brain of Kieron Pollard, the former West Indies captain and all-rounder who worked with England during that tournament and whose tactical ideas played a crucial role in that St Lucia victory.
“My training has been a little different,” Livingstone said. “You have to put yourself in pressure situations. Having Polly by my side, someone who has played this role for so long, has been incredible for me.
