Stuart Broad takes a dig at England selectors as he hails Liam Livingstone's Lord's show

Former England pacer Stuart Broad said that Liam Livingstone's explosive knock of 62 not out against Australia in the fourth ODI at Lord’s sent a powerful message to the England selectors, proving why the all-rounder belongs in the white-ball squads.

The dynamic all-rounder lit up Lord's with a blistering knock of 62* off just 27 balls studded with three boundaries and seven giant sixes, propelling England to a formidable total of 312/5 in a rain-curtailed fourth ODI match against Australia.

He's shown England selectors exactly why he should be in white-ball squads: Stuart Broad on Liam Livingstone

Despite the weather reducing the game to 39 overs per side, Liam Livingstone's fearless approach ensured England to be in a winning position against Australia. Liam Livingstone’s half-century, the fastest ever in ODI cricket at Lord’s, was a thrilling spectacle, and it showcased his ability to transform the course of a game single-handedly.

His aggressive display left Broad awestruck. The former England pacer mentioned that Liam Livingstone was originally left out of the ODI squad, but he got his opportunity after regular captain Jos Buttler was sidelined with a calf injury. And in typical fashion, he grabbed the opportunity and delivered one of the most memorable ODI innings.

Stuart Broad was quoted as saying by Sky Sports Cricket: “That's exactly what England want from Livingstone. We have to remember that Livingstone wasn't even in the original squad. He's shown the England selectors exactly why he should be in white-ball squads and hopefully winning games for England.”

Livingstone is such a powerful striker of the ball: Broad

Stuart Broad further said that Liam Livingstone's brutal assault on Australia’s bowling attack, particularly his ability to dominate one of the world's best death bowlers, Mitchell Starc, was a reminder of the kind of impact he can have in the format.

Stuart Broad further said of the England all-rounder, “He has always had superb strength, plays some really eye-catching shots, and is such a powerful striker of the ball. Sometimes it can look like a hack or swipe, but today it just looked really calm and controlled, and he's hitting one of the best death bowlers in the world in Mitchell Starc. England want those players that can change their game, and Livingstone is one of those.”

Meanwhile, Liam Livingstone smashed 28 runs in the final over against Starc (0/70), hitting four sixes and one boundary, which took England from 284/5 to a formidable 312/5, and the hosts managed to defend the target inside 25 overs at Lord’s.

I think Australia changed their pace too much: Broad

Notably, it was the most expensive over by an Australian bowler in ODI cricket. Reacting to the costly over, the legendary bowler said that Australia changed their pace too much and it cost them.

Broad signed off by saying, “I think Australia changed their pace too much. At Lord's, you have to make subtle changes because generally the pitch offers you a bit. Australia bowled a lot of slower-ball bouncers, and someone like Starc, one of the best death bowlers, needed to be a touch wider to Livingstone. Those sorts of overs can change games.”