ENG vs AFG: John Buchanan Believes Liam Livingstone Will Excel In Australian Conditions

After electing to field their full lineup against Afghanistan, England intends to enter the Twenty20 World Cup here on Saturday with all guns blazing.

Liam Livingstone is expected to recover sooner than expected from the injury that first looked to endanger his World Cup aspirations. He may bat as low as seven, and vice-captain Moeen Ali and budding sensation Harry Brook will join him in the middle order.

Jos Buttler, the captain, loves to have a variety of bowling options available to him, and it was believed that he was leaning toward Sam Curran at position seven because of his all-around skills.

Liam Livingstone Will Benefit From BBL Experience: John Buchanan

But it has become nearly difficult for Buttler to decide between them due to the return to full fitness of Livingstone, who injured his left ankle after sliding on a curb in August, and the rising brilliance of Brook.

Former Australia head coach John Buchanan believes England’s Liam Livingstone will excel in Australian circumstances because of his belief that his BBL playing experience will benefit him for the T20 WC.

“England, I think Livingstone is an interesting player given that he’s played in Australia and in the Big Bash League. He is ably familiar with the conditions and he again presents with bat and ball that’s pretty interesting,” Buchanan concluded.

England has undoubtedly seen its fair share of bizarre injuries. Reece Topley finished his World Cup after stepping on the foam “Toblerone” boundary marker during practise and twisted his ankle. Jonny Bairstow shattered his leg while playing golf.

Liam Livingstone’s injury, which he sustained in August while competing for Birmingham in the Hundred, was similarly regrettable.

England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Tymal Mills, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Alex Hales.

Standby Players: Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson

Also Read: ENG vs AFG: Ben Stokes Lambastes The “Stupid” Boundary Markings After Reece Topley Injury