Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey

Liam Livingstone is under the pump after his latest disappointing dismissal at an important time.

England were in a tricky predicament in the first ODI against India, five down for 183 in the 36th over with wickets in hand crucial for a late push. Livingstone, who was struggling against Harshit Rana, decided to charge down the track and play a wild hoick to the legside, and was caught behind by KL Rahul for five off 10 balls.

Livingstone came in for criticism, with his lack of game awareness under the microscope. However, England as a unit will be wanting more from their top six, especially when it comes to converting their starts. Four such players crossed 30, but none went past 52.

Liam Livingstone needs to put his ego aside – Matt Prior

Former England keeper-batsman Matt Prior praised Jacob Bethell for the kind of composure he showed while expressing his disappointing around Livingstone’s decision-making under pressure.

“Steve [Finn] and I were talking off air about Livingstone, as an example, who’s played a lot of cricket now and you think, can you put your ego to one side and actually make good decisions under pressure?”, Prior said on TNT Sports, as quoted by Wisden.

“Bethell I thought showed the more experienced batter how to play in that situation and tried to get your foundation.”

Livingstone was originally left out of the ODI series against Australia in September last year after a disappointing World Cup and series against West Indies in 2023. However, he was picked against Australia courtesy of Jos Buttler’s injury, and showed what he could do as a finisher.

He also followed that up with 124* off 119 balls in the second ODI in West Indies in November 2024. But, England would want greater consistency, especially if he’s required to bat earlier in the innings.

England were eventually bowled out for 248 in Nagpur. Despite taking a few early wickets, India chased down the target with ease, reaching 251 with four wickets and 68 balls to spare.