"That's exactly what England want from Livingstone" - Stuart Broad after all-rounder's heroics in ENG vs AUS 2024 4th ODI
Former England seamer Stuart Broad has lauded Liam Livingstone for proving his worth in the ODI set-up. Broad pointed out how the hard-hitter was not even in the original squad to face Australia but showcased his potential to help England level the series (2-2).
Livingstone, who had a promising outing in the preceding T20I series against Australia, returned to the ODI squad due to Jos Buttler's injury. The Lancashire all-rounder showcased his power-hitting skills on Friday at Lord's as he belted an unbeaten 62 to fire England to 312/5 in 39 overs.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 38-year-old opined that Livingstone provided precisely what England need and should be in both white-ball squads.
"That's exactly what England want from Livingston," he said. "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 spin-bowling all-rounder was particularly brutal against left-arm speedster Mitchell Starc, who leaked 28 off the final over of the innings. The 31-year-old belted four sixes off Starc to propel the hosts to a daunting total. Later, Matthew Potts finished with four scalps to bundle the visitors out for 126.
"I think Australia changed their pace too much" - Stuart Broad
During the same discussion, Broad observed that the venue requires subtle changes of pace, unlike what Australia had produced. He said:
"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 fifth and final ODI of the series will take place on Sunday, September 29, in Bristol.