Liam Livingstone in a race against time to be fully fit for 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against the West Indies
England all-rounder Liam Livingstone is working towards full fitness ahead of their opening Super 8 clash against the West Indies in St. Lucia on Wednesday, June 19. He sustained an injury during the rain-curtailed group contest against Namibia, where he scored 13 runs, and did not come out to field in the second innings.
According to a report by the BBC, Livingstone batted briefly in the nets on Monday, June 17, but did not bowl. The report further states that he returned to the hotel for treatment and did not practice range hitting with the rest of the batters in the team.
He didn't get an opportunity to bat in the abandoned contest against Scotland and the thumping win over Oman. His only other knock in the group stages came against Australia, where he chipped in with 15 runs during the run chase. He also rolled his arm over against the arch-rivals in the form of a two-over spell, where he managed to dismiss skipper Mitchell Marsh.
Livingstone was one of England's positives during the 2-3 series loss to the West Indies away from home in late 2023. The defending champions will be hoping that the all-rounder is fully fit and can repeat his exploits against the Windies on Wednesday.
Liam Livingstone had left the IPL early after an injury scare
The all-rounder has been plagued with injuries in recent times. Even before the 2022 edition, where he was part of the winning side, he was struggling with injury. Following that, he suffered a major blow on his Test debut and even the recent 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign was riddled with issues. He ended up making only seven appearances for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) this season.
"It's not been the most enjoyable 18 months of trying to play with a niggle. thankfully, the injection seems to have worked, and just being able to play cricket pain-free for the first time in two years is the exciting part for me. I feel like I've got a smile on my face again, and I'm enjoying playing cricket," Livingstone had told ESPN Cricinfo ahead of the T20 World Cup.
England have been drawn alongside the West Indies, South Africa, and the United States of America in the Super 8 stage.