Livingstone presses claim for Test spot

England’s batsmen were far from impressive on the second day of their two-day warm-up against a New Zealand XI but Liam Livingstone struck 88 to top score.
The tourists lost 14 wickets on the day with playing conditions relaxed to allow them to work out all their batsmen ahead of next week’s first Test against New Zealand.
Livingstone has yet to earn a Test cap but after a disappointing Ashes for the bulk of the top order places in the XI are certainly up for grabs.
Speaking after play in Hamilton, Livingstone said: “It was nice for me to get some runs out there.
“I was pretty disappointed to get out the way I did, at the time I did, but I actually felt pretty good in the middle.
“I’m just trying to get involved with the group, score a few runs, impress a few people and see what happens. Keep an open mind, open eyes, open ears and learn off the best players in the world like we’ve got in our dressing room.
“Because it’s quite a short series, we were preparing for this like it was the first Test match and trying to use our game plans as though it was day one of the series. That’s certainly the way I tried to approach it.”
Livingstone understands that at Test level he will be judged on results whereas with the England Lions squad it was all about developing as a player.
“That’s the difference to the Lions; the England environment is all about performance, whereas the Lions it’s all about development.
“But the Lions do try to replicate what the England dressing room is all about, and it’s nice having played already with a few of the boys that are in the dressing room. I think that has helped me – it makes you settle in a bit quicker.”
The first Test between New Zealand and England gets underway on March 22 at Eden Park.
Latest
-
News
Heather Knight looking forward to England’s return to ODI action in New Zealand
The series is the first since England’s domestic set-up became fully professional.
-
News
James Anderson understands benefits of England’s ‘frustrating’ rotation policy
The seamer was rested for the second Test in India.
-
News
England batsman Zak Crawley fit again and aiming to keep improving
The Kent batsman scored 35 runs across four innings in Sri Lanka last month.
-
News
Kumar Sangakkara confirms possible IPL clash for England stars
Stokes, Archer and Buttler could miss Test duty to stay with Rajasthan Royals.
-
News
Mark Wood: England seamers are thinking pink ahead of day/night Test
England’s seam attack have seen the ball swing and bounce during net sessions in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Tash Farrant: ECB pro deal gave me fresh lease of life
The left-armer is making her international comeback in New Zealand.
-
News
When Virat Kohli felt like the ‘loneliest guy in the world’
India captain Virat Kohli has shed some light on a time in his career where he felt like the “loneliest guy in the world”.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow says IPL stints can improve England players
In years gone by the IPL presented a major bone of contention for players like Kevin Pietersen and the ECB.
-
News
England all-rounder Moeen Ali joins Chennai Super Kings in 2021 IPL auction
Moeen found himself at the centre of a battle for his services.
-
News
Glenn Maxwell joins his dream team after IPL auction bidding war
Glenn Maxwell will get to share a dressing room with his idol AB de Villiers when the 2021 IPL gets underway.