Liam Livingstone: "Things are going to change around with the bat"

The England allrounder insists he is just one innings away from rediscovering his best form after playing a leading role with the ball in the six-wicket win over the West Indies in Antigua

Nick Howson | 08/12/2023 at 12:27

Liam Livingstone believes he is within touching distance of turning around his batting form after playing a key role with the ball in the six-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second one-day international in Antigua.

The Lancashire man took 3 for 39, a haul which included bowling Windies captain Shai Hope, whose century had inspired the hosts to victory in the first ODI.

The return was in stark contrast to his form with the bat. His successive half-centuries in September against New Zealand - 52 in Cardiff and 95 not out at The Ageas Bowl - are the only occasions he has passed 38 in his last 33 international innings across formats.

"It's something I've worked really hard on for a number of years," Livingstone said of his bowling returns. "It's not come as naturally as what batting has, so it’s nice that when my batting's not really in the best place I can still contribute with the ball.

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Livingstone produced his second-best ODI figures in Antigua (RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

"I always try to contribute to England winning games of cricket, and I haven't been able to do that for a couple of months with the bat. Hopefully, that's going to change at some point.

"I know it's going to change, and I’m sure when things do change around I'll look back on this time in my career as something that was a massive learning curve for me."

Another opportunity to return to form will come on Saturday (December 9) in the series decider in Barbados, before five T20Is between the countries take place from December 12-21, rounding off England men's gruelling year.

"If I had the reason I'd have probably changed it by now," he added.

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Livingstone on his way to scoring 95 against New Zealand (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

"I keep turning up to training, trying as hard as I can. I guess maybe just try to put a little bit less pressure on myself and go out and enjoy myself like I have done my whole career.

"It only takes one innings to change it around. I've had it before and I'm sure when things do change around, I'll look back on this time in my career as something that was probably a massive learning curve for me.

"But I still feel like I can affect games of cricket for England and that's the major bonus for me at the moment.

"The ball's coming out of my hand really well and I know for a fact that things are going to change around with the bat."