‘Been a frustrating year’ – Liam Livingstone after match-winning knock against New Zealand

Liam Livingstone (Photo Source: Twitter)

Liam Livingstone emerged as the hero of the day for England with a brilliant batting performance under pressure in the second One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand on Sunday. The talented all-rounder’s outstanding display earned him the well-deserved Player Of The Match award and helped England level the series at 1-1.

Livingstone’s unbeaten knock of 95 off 78 played a pivotal role in England’s victory. This innings not only showcased his incredible skills but also marked his longest stint at the crease since a County Championship match for Lancashire back in 2019.

What made this performance even more remarkable was the situation as England found themselves in a dire situation at 55-5, but Livingstone’s resilience and determination steered the team towards a competitive total of 226-7.

The impact of Livingstone’s inning extended beyond securing England’s victory; it also solidified his position in England’s World Cup squad. His remarkable display underscored his value as a player who can rise to the occasion when the team needs it most.

During the post-match presentation, Livingstone candidly acknowledged the challenges he had faced in 2023, describing it as a frustrating year. However, he expressed great pride in adapting to varying situations and emphasized his eagerness to contribute.

“It has been a frustrating year for me. I’ve probably overthought things at times, It’s quite a hard role when you have a bit of time off and then come in down the order and are trying to smack it from ball one,” Livingstone said as quoted by India Today.

“My adaptability is something I pride myself on. I’ve had a lean couple of months but I was looking forward to this series to get a bit of time in the middle – and thankfully today went well for me. I just needed one inning. My hard work over the last couple of months has paid off,” he added.

Livingstone’s remarkable comeback and match-winning performance have boosted his confidence and rejuvenated England’s prospects in the ongoing series and for upcoming marquee events.