All-out attack is the way forward for Liam
LIAM Livingstone insists he will not shy away from his ultra-aggressive game after a stellar season at Lancashire culminated in England Lions recognition.
The 23-year-old righthander had not featured in the four-day game prior to last season and started experimenting with a more refrained style in order to adapt.
But when that did not work in pre-season last year, Lancashire head coach Ashley Giles urged him to revert back to his natural attacking game.
After 2016 brought two first-class centuries, 815 runs and an average of 50.93, Livingstone is adamant he made the right choice – and was delighted to discover England selectors think the same, with this winter’s tour to Dubai his second Lions nod this year.
“I spoke to (Lions head coach) Andy Flower and he said the reason I am here is because the way I hit a cricket ball, so I won’t change the way I am to fit in with everyone else,” said Livingstone, who made headlines for scoring 350 in an innings for club side Nantwich Town last year.
“I have got here because of what I have done so I just carry on playing my own way and hopefully that can keep me progressing.
“I spoke to a lot of people at the start of the year because I was very worried about being a real technical, proper batsman.
“I spoke to Ashley and told him it was not working for me and I felt horrendous and he said ‘don’t worry about that, play your natural game’.
“You can play the same way in all three formats, perhaps reining it in a bit here and there, but that was the biggest boost I have had.”
Livingstone admits that chat with Giles was the catalyst for his great season but was far from convinced their plan would work at the start of the campaign.
“I owe a lot to Ash for having a lot of confidence in me but I owe a lot to myself for being brave enough to make the decision that I am going to be who I am,” he added.
“It is all from hard work but there is a mental switch that has been flicked.”