Sir Alastair Cook has praised Liam Livingstone’s “coming of age” innings after the England stand-in captain scored his maiden ODI century against the West Indies to level the series and set up a decider.
Livingstone, who was ruled out of September’s one-day internationals against Australia before playing in the T20 fixtures, has been appointed stand-in captain following Jos Buttler’s calf injury – and he scored 85 balls on Saturday. But he scored an unbeaten 124 runs and led his team to victory.
After suffering an eight-wicket defeat to the hosts in the opening match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Thursday – Livingstone made 48 – the tourists were criticized for not being able to convert a good start.
“Fair game for him [Livingstone]”He was under a bit of scrutiny and pressure after Thursday’s game,” former England captain Cook told TNT Sports.
“It was a new era innings. It was absolutely brilliant; 46 runs from 57 balls – it’s very different to what we have usually seen from Livingstone.
“He kept going up and down the gears and his hunger to be there at the end was fantastic. The last 78 came off 28 balls. That’s some strange power,” he said.
“If you have people who aren’t on this team, like [Harry] brooke, [Joe] Root, [Ben] With Duckett, and Livingstone as the number five finisher, this is a dangerous top order for 50 overs.
“He has got the opportunity to lead your country and it is a huge honour. He will sleep satisfied. It was only after he was out that he started batting at No. 5.”
“There aren’t many places you can hide the ball for him. Not many players have the ability to hit three sixes.” [in a row]He’s not pre-empting, he’s reacting with great skill and clarity to hit the ball so clearly.”
Cook also praised the character shown by Livingstone’s teammates to overcome their heavy defeat and keep the series alive, with Jacob Bethell, Phil Salt and Sam Curran also scoring fifties.
He added, “They were bad on Thursday but today everyone has match-toughness. Salt played well and the pitch suited them when the ball came to them. They like it.”
“I’ve been impressed with Bethel’s maturity, he’s settled in really well. These guys are made in T20 cricket and The Hundred. In 50-over cricket you have a lot more time to handle the pressure.”
Livingstone said he is back to enjoying cricket again
After his innings, Livingstone said that England wanted to take risks and strengthened his team’s attacking mindset.
“I did some things in practice at the end of the summer in England where I felt I was at my best,” Livingstone said. TNT Sports.
“Just maturing a bit and knowing my game well and enjoying cricket again. At the end of the day, that’s the main thing, I play well when I’m enjoying it.
“We wanted to take risks right from the start. I tried to push myself and then prepare for the end and target his death bowling. It worked out perfectly in the end.
“Curran played beautifully. I have batted with him a lot so I knew I could trust him. We needed someone to score big and that’s what we did today.”
“I think we were good with the ball as well. Overall, the team had a pretty good performance and we are back in the series.”
West Indies vs England Schedule (All Times UK & Ireland)
- 1st ODI: Antigua – West Indies win by eight wickets (DLS)
- 2nd ODI: Antigua – England won by five wickets
- 3rd ODI: Barbados – Wednesday 6 November (6pm)
- 1st T20: Barbados – Saturday 9 November (8pm)
- Second T20: Barbados – Sunday 10 November (8pm)
- 3rd T20: Saint Lucia – Thursday 14 November (8pm)
- 4th T20: Saint Lucia – Saturday 16 November (8pm)
- Fifth T20: Saint Lucia – Sunday 17 November (8pm)
Follow England’s white ball tour of the West Indies sky sports‘ Digital platform with live blogs and reports. The third and final ODI will take place in Barbados on Wednesday (kickoff 6:00 PM IST in UK & Ireland).
