Thu Sep 12 00:05:56 UTC 2024: ## Livingstone Aims to Reclaim ODI Spot After Strong T20I Performance
**Southampton, England** – England all-rounder Liam Livingstone is hoping to use his recent promotion in the T20I team as a springboard back into the ODI squad. Despite a strong performance in Wednesday’s T20I against Australia, where he top-scored with 37 runs and took 3 wickets, Livingstone was left out of England’s ODI team for the upcoming series.
His omission, alongside fellow all-rounder Sam Curran, came as a surprise to many, with his spot seemingly filled by Jacob Bethell. Despite the disappointment, Livingstone remains positive, stating “It is what it is. I’m 31, I’m not going to sit here and cry about not being picked.”
England’s ODI selection process is increasingly influenced by The Hundred, a tournament that often overshadows domestic 50-over cricket. This has created a challenging situation for Livingstone, who hasn’t played County Championship cricket in two years and has limited opportunities to showcase his 50-over skills.
While he remains hopeful for a recall during the ODI series in the Caribbean later this year, his pathway to February’s Champions Trophy may hinge more on his T20 form.
“I feel like I’ve shown over the last couple of weeks, maybe a month, that the longer I get to bat in games, the more of a chance I have to affect games,” said Livingstone.
He believes his recent form and willingness to bat higher up the order in T20s will prove his worth in the long run. Despite his recent struggles with injuries, Livingstone is now fully fit and sees this series as an opportunity to prove himself.
“I want that responsibility. I want to try to win games of cricket for England, and the higher up the order, the more chance you have of doing that,” he said.
With the absence of England’s Test batsmen like Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, Livingstone has been given the responsibility of batting at No. 4, a role he relishes.
At 31, Livingstone is one of the senior players in this young England team. He’s embracing his role as a mentor, helping guide the younger players through this transition period in England’s white-ball setup.
“I’ve got to give the younger boys a steer and take a bit of pressure off them,” he said.
Livingstone’s performance in the upcoming T20I series will be crucial for his chances of returning to the ODI squad. His ability to perform under pressure and prove his versatility as an all-rounder could be the key to his re-entry into the England ODI team.
First Piper 