Livingstone Levels T20 Series for England Against Australia

AFP/APP

Cardiff: Liam Livingstone played a pivotal role in England’s T20 International series against Australia, scoring 87 runs to level the series at 1-1 on Friday, with one match remaining.

Australia set a challenging total of 193/6, thanks to Jake Fraser-McGurk’s maiden international half-century and valuable contributions from captain Travis Head (31) and Josh Inglis (42).

Livingstone, in his 50th T20 International, was the standout bowler for England, claiming 2-16 from just three overs. He then made a significant impact with the bat after England was struggling at 34-2 inside the first four overs.

Stand-in captain Phil Salt contributed 39 off 23 balls, but it was a crucial 90-run partnership off 47 balls between Livingstone and Jacob Bethell that shifted the momentum in England’s favor.

Livingstone, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, expressed his enjoyment of the game. “Moving up the order gives me a bit more responsibility and time to bat, and I feel I am in decent nick at the moment with bat and ball,” he said.

“Towards the end of the Hundred, I felt I was getting my body back to normal, which has been an issue the last couple of years. I’m enjoying my cricket and playing with a smile on my face.”

Despite Bethell’s departure for 44 on just his second international appearance, Livingstone stayed at the crease until the scores were tied. He was dismissed by Matt Short, who took 5-22, but Adil Rashid’s single secured England’s victory with six balls to spare.

Earlier, England appeared to be chasing a target in excess of 200 as Australia made a rapid start, with Head scoring 31 off just 14 balls. The tourists were comfortably placed at 119-2 in the 13th over before Fraser-McGurk’s innings ended with a catch off Livingstone’s bowling.

Following Australia’s 28-run win in the series opener, England’s spin attack once again played a crucial role in containing the opposition. “It was a good score, and we felt like we were right in the hunt and close,” said Head, who was standing in as captain for the ill Mitch Marsh. The decisive final match will take place in Manchester on Sunday.