‘He’s shown selectors why he should be in white-ball teams’ – Stuart Broad after Liam Livingstone’s heroics in 4th ENG vs AUS ODI

Liam Livingstone. (Photo Source: Philip Brown/Getty Images)

Stuart Broad was effusive in his praise for Liam Livingstone after the Lancashire all-rounder smashed a scintillating half-century to orchestrate a comprehensive win for England in the rain-curtailed fourth ODI against Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday, September 27.

Broad pointed out that Livingstone wasn’t supposed to be a part of the side but Jos Buttler’s injury absence paved the way for his return. Livingstone’s unbeaten 62 off just 27 balls comprised three fours and seven sixes and it helped the Three Lions post a mammoth 312/5 in just 39 overs. Australia were bowled out for 126 in the second innings as they lost the match by 186 runs. This win helped the hosts to restore parity in the series after losing the first two matches.

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Broad asserted that Livingstone provided England with exactly what they needed in the fourth ODI. The former England pacer batted for the 31-year-old’s inclusion in both the white-ball formats.

“That’s exactly what England want from Livingston. We have to remember that Livingstone wasn’t even in the original squad. He’s shown the England selectors exactly why he should be in white-ball squads and hopefully winning games for England. He has always had superb strength, plays some really eye-catching shots, and is such a powerful striker of the ball,” the cricketer-turned-commentator said while speaking to Sky Sports.

Livingstone was particularly brutal against Mitchell Starc in the last over of England’s innings as he smashed the left-arm pacer for four sixes and a boundary to catapult his team beyond the 300-run mark.

I think Australia changed their pace too much: Stuart Broad

Broad criticised Australia’s bowling plans as the legendary seamer felt that Josh Hazlewood and Co. should have used their variations more subtly because there was assistance for them from the surface.

“I think Australia changed their pace too much. At Lord’s, you have to make subtle changes because generally the pitch offers you a bit. Australia bowled a lot of slower-ball bouncers and someone like Starc, one of the best death bowlers, needed to be a touch wider to Livingstone. Those sorts of overs can change games,” the 38-year-old said.

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The decisive fifth ODI is set to be held at County Ground, Bristol on Sunday, September 29. England have momentum on their side but Australia know how to lift themselves when their backs are against the wall. It promises to be a fascinating contest, one that fans wouldn’t want to miss.