Thu Sep 12 18:58:38 UTC 2024: ## Livingstone Back With a Bang, Aims for England Return After Injury Hell
Southampton, England – England all-rounder Liam Livingstone has declared himself fully fit and ready to prove his worth after a prolonged injury battle that has hampered his career for over two years. The 31-year-old, who missed out on England’s ODI squad, is determined to make his mark in the ongoing T20 series against Australia.
“I feel like a little kid again, I feel like I’m starting a new career to be honest,” said Livingstone, who has been plagued by ankle and knee injuries. He added, “Mentally, more than anything, it feels really nice to be back playing cricket pain-free and I think, if I get back to my best, I feel like I’m an asset to any cricket team I play in.”
Livingstone showcased his renewed vigour in the series opener against Australia, claiming three wickets and scoring a quickfire 37 runs. He has also been promoted to number four in the batting order, a position he has rarely occupied in his international career.
“I want to try and win games of cricket for England and I think the higher up the order, the more chance you have of doing that,” said Livingstone. He believes strong performances in the T20s could pave the way for a return to the ODI squad ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy.
Despite being one of the senior players in a youthful England squad, Livingstone is happy to mentor the new faces. However, he insists that England cannot use their “changing of the guard” as an excuse for poor results. “We want to get up to speed as quickly as we can and not use that changing of the guard as an excuse to take a while to get up to speed,” he said.
With a renewed focus on fitness and a clear determination to regain his place in England’s plans, Liam Livingstone is back on the pitch and ready to make his mark on the international stage.
First Piper 