BRAD KNEW LIAM HAD GOT THE LOT
LIAM LIVINGSTONE could be England’s magic man with the bat at the T20 World Cup.
But one former Aussie great reckons that his bowling skills are every bit as impressive as his ability to smash the ball out of the park.
Brad Hogg played with Livingstone for Willetton in Western Australia’s first grade competition back in 2015.
The Lancashire star was in his early 20s, while Hogg (right) was defying Old Father
Time, still winning contracts in the Indian Premier League at the age of 43.
Livingstone did not set Grade Cricket on fire – scoring 175 in five innings – but now he’s being hailed as one of the most powerful and consistent hitters in world cricket.
Hogg, though, believes his bowling could be just as valuable if England are to become the first team in history to win both 50-over and T20 World Cups. “He’s a freak,” said Hogg. “He can bowl leg-spin and off-spin in the same over and be pretty dangerous with both.
“Do you know how hard that is? That makes him pretty much unique in world cricket. Garry Sobers could bowl fast, medium pace and spin. Who else is there, though? “When we was with us he was still a young guy – you could tell he had a lot of talent but he wasn’t hitting the ball the kind of distances he does now. “He has been fantastic with the bat for England this summer. You have to be a pretty extraordinary cricketer to get into this England T20 side but he has forced his way in and now he’s a key man. “This World Cup is the perfect opportunity for him to show just how good he is.”