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Extremely proud – Liam Livingstone grateful to be handed England captaincy


Liam Livingstone looks like he has been handed “a brand new profession” as he prepares to captain England for the primary time simply two months after dropping his place within the aspect.

The mud could barely have settled on England’s Check collection defeat in Pakistan however their subsequent project is already at hand, as a youthful aspect begins a white-ball tour of the West Indies.

With Jos Buttler injured, Livingstone has been requested to steer his nation within the three-match ODI collection which begins in Antigua on Thursday, capping a remarkably swift change in fortunes.

It’s only a matter of weeks since he was dropped from the 50-over squad for September’s video games in opposition to Australia, throwing his future within the format into doubt.

However two massive T20 outings in opposition to the Australians, coupled with Buttler’s health setback, earned him an immediate recall and now the 31-year-old finds himself able to embrace his newly influential position.

“It’s not daily somebody tells you you’re going to be England captain, it’s an extremely proud factor for me,” he informed the PA information company.

“Being disregarded is all a part of skilled sport however we’d had a few troublesome tournaments and perhaps I didn’t get out of that rut as rapidly as I might have.

“I sat down with Rob Key (managing director of males’s cricket), had a extremely trustworthy dialog with him and stated, ‘All I need is one other alternative and hopefully I can show you improper’.

“Within the collection in opposition to Australia, I actually felt I did that. I’m in a really completely different place to the place I used to be six or 12 months in the past, I really feel like a child, like I’m nearly firstly of a brand new profession. I really feel like the very best of me remains to be to come back.”

Livingstone has usually been used as a utility participant by England, slotting into the decrease center order and used as an occasional bowler, however as an skilled hand he’s more and more desirous to dictate video games.

“I’ve at all times stated I do know I’m ok to play for England however perhaps I wanted extra duty than I used to be getting,” he stated.

“I don’t suppose I obtained that for the final two years; in the event you’re batting seven and solely bowling a few overs a recreation it turns into fairly a troublesome position for somebody who needs to be concerned.

“I really feel I’ve labored a number of issues out with my batting and had a extremely good finish to the summer season. Now I’m excited to get a bat again in my hand and show that I’m a greater participant than somebody who bats at seven. I consider I can do extra harm if I face 60 balls relatively than 20.”

An enormous a part of Livingstone’s job within the Caribbean can be easing in a number of the recent faces, together with the uncapped quartet of Dan Mousley, Michael Pepper, John Turner and Jafer Chohan.

It’s a process he takes severely and one he feels significantly certified to take with regards to Jacob Bethell. The thrilling 21-year-old debuted in opposition to Australia and confirmed some thrilling glimpses of his expertise.

“I see a number of myself in Jacob however he’s extra gifted than I ever was and I’m certain he’ll have a manner higher profession,” he stated.

“However I nonetheless really feel like I can speed up his studying. I keep in mind chatting with him at Lord’s once we attempting to take down Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Starc, I beloved being within the center with him taking up two of the very best bowlers on this planet.

“It’s my job as skilled gamers to assist these guys alongside and make them as comfy as potential on this atmosphere.

“I need the subsequent few video games to be a hell of a number of enjoyable, play some good cricket, win some video games after which hand the reins again to Jos.”

READ MORE: Brendan McCullum needs present of help for ‘hurting’ skipper Ben Stokes

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