CARDIFF, United Kingdom: Liam Livingstone delivered a standout performance, scoring 87 runs to level England’s T20 International series with Australia at 1-1 on Friday. With one match remaining, the series will be decided in Manchester on Sunday.
Australia set a challenging target of 194 with notable contributions from Jake Fraser-McGurk, who scored his first international fifty, along with captain Travis Head (31) and Josh Inglis (42). However, Livingstone played a crucial role both with the bat and ball, setting up a decisive final game.
In his 50th T20 International, Livingstone excelled as a bowler, taking 2 wickets for 16 runs from just three overs. He then anchored England’s chase, coming in at 34-2 in the fourth over. A crucial 90-run partnership with Jacob Bethell, who scored 44, swung the game in England’s favor.
Livingstone, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, expressed his satisfaction with his current form. “Moving up the order gives me more responsibility and time to bat. I’m feeling in good shape with both bat and ball,” he said. “Recovering from injuries has been tough, but I’m enjoying my cricket and playing with a smile.”
Although Bethell was dismissed for 44, Livingstone remained steadfast until the scores were tied. Despite being bowled out by Matt Short, who took 5 wickets for 22 runs, Adil Rashid’s single secured England’s victory with six balls to spare.
Earlier, Australia had made a strong start, with Head hitting 31 off 14 balls and the team reaching 119-2 in the 13th over. Fraser-McGurk’s innings ended when he was caught off Livingstone’s bowling. England’s spin attack played a crucial role in restricting Australia’s scoring.
“Australia set a good score, but we felt we were in the game and came close,” said Head, who was standing in as captain for the ill Mitch Marsh.
The final match in Manchester will decide the series winner.
