Liam Livingstone, an all-rounder from Lancashire, orchestrated a comprehensive victory for England in the fourth ODI against Australia at the venerable Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday, September 27, despite torrential rain. Stuart Broad was full of praise for Livingstone.
Livingstone wasn’t scheduled to be on the team, but Jos Buttler’s injury absence made room for him to come back, according to Broad. With three fours and seven sixes in his unbroken 62 off just 27 balls, Livingstone enabled the Three Lions to record a massive 312/5 in just 39 overs. Australia lost the match by 186 runs after being knocked out for 126 in the second innings. After losing the opening two games of the series, this victory enabled the hosts to even the score.
In the fourth One-Day International, Broad claimed that Livingstone gave England just what they needed. The 31-year-old was included in both white-ball formats because to the former England pacer’s batting contributions.
“That’s precisely what Livingston is wanted for by England. It is important to keep in mind that Livingstone was not part of the first team. He has amply demonstrated to the England selectors why he belongs in white-ball teams and, ideally, wins matches for his country. The cricketer-turned-commentator told Sky Sports, “He is such a powerful striker of the ball, plays some really eye-catching shots, and has always had superb strength.”
In the final over of England’s innings, Livingstone was especially cruel to Mitchell Starc, hitting the left-arm pacer for four sixes and a boundary to push his team past the 300-run threshold.
Australia, in my opinion, adjusted their speed excessively: Stuart Broad
Australia’s bowling strategy was questioned by Broad, the renowned seamer believing that Josh Hazlewood and his team should have used their variations more quietly because there was support from the surface.
“I believe Australia altered their speed excessively. At Lord’s, you have to alter things slightly because the pitch usually gives you a little. Australia bowled a lot of slower-ball bouncers, so Livingstone needed to be a little bit wider for someone like Starc, one of the best death bowlers. Games may be changed by those kinds of overs, according to the 38-year-old.
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On Sunday, September 29, at County Ground in Bristol, the fifth and final ODI is scheduled to take place. Although Australia knows how to pull themselves up when the chips are down, England has momentum on their side. Fans won’t want to miss what looks to be an intriguing competition.
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