Liam Livingstone appears like he has been handed “a brand new profession” as he prepares to captain England for the primary time just two months after losing his place within the side.
The dust may barely have settled on England’s Test series defeat in Pakistan but their next project is already at hand, as a youthful side begins a white-ball tour of the West Indies.
With Jos Buttler injured, Livingstone has been asked to guide his country within the three-match ODI series which begins in Antigua on Thursday, capping a remarkably swift change in fortunes.
It is just a matter of weeks since he was dropped from the 50-over squad for September’s games against Australia, throwing his future within the format into doubt.
But two big T20 outings against the Australians, coupled with Buttler’s fitness setback, earned him an quick recall and now the 31-year-old finds himself able to embrace his newly influential role.
“It’s not each day someone tells you you’re going to be England captain, it’s an incredibly proud thing for me,” he told the PA news agency.
“Being ignored is all a part of skilled sport but we’d had a pair of adverse tournaments and possibly I didn’t get out of that rut as quickly as I could have.
“I sat down with Rob Key (managing director of men’s cricket), had a extremely honest conversation with him and said, ‘All I need is one other opportunity and hopefully I can prove you fallacious’.
“Within the series against Australia, I actually felt I did that. I’m in a really different place to where I used to be six or 12 months ago, I feel like a child, like I’m almost firstly of a brand new profession. I feel like one of the best of me continues to be to return.”
Livingstone has often been used as a utility player by England, slotting into the lower middle order and used as an occasional bowler, but as an experienced hand he’s increasingly desperate to dictate games.
“I’ve all the time said I do know I’m ok to play for England but possibly I needed more responsibility than I used to be getting,” he said.
“I don’t think I got that for the last two years; if you happen to’re batting seven and only bowling a few overs a game it becomes quite a difficult role for somebody who desires to be involved.
“I feel I’ve worked just a few things out with my batting and had a extremely good end to the summer. Now I’m excited to get a bat back in my hand and prove that I’m a greater player than someone who bats at seven. I imagine I can do more damage if I face 60 balls somewhat than 20.”
An enormous a part of Livingstone’s job within the Caribbean shall be easing in a number of the fresh faces, including the uncapped quartet of Dan Mousley, Michael Pepper, John Turner and Jafer Chohan.
It’s a task he’s taking seriously and one he feels particularly qualified to take relating to Jacob Bethell. The exciting 21-year-old debuted against Australia and showed some thrilling glimpses of his talent.
“I see numerous myself in Jacob but he’s more talented than I ever was and I’m sure he’ll have a way higher profession,” he said.
“But I still feel like I can speed up his learning. I remember talking to him at Lord’s once we attempting to take down Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Starc, I loved being in the center with him taking over two of one of the best bowlers on this planet.
“It’s my job as experienced players to assist these guys along and make them as comfortable as possible on this environment.
“I need the subsequent few games to be a hell of numerous fun, play some good cricket, win some games after which hand the reins back to Jos.”
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