Livingstone to be unleashed in pivotal T20

England are ready to let loose their own boxoffice big hitter in liam livingstone for what could prove to be a critical match in the Twenty20 series against the West Indies.

livingstone remained on the sidelines for the weekend double-header in Bridgetown, after being laid low with a stomach problem, but returned to training ahead of the third contest. His inclusion would reduce the imbalance in firepower between the teams after the Windies led the six count 13-5 in the one-run England win that levelled the series at 1-1 on Sunday.

Paul Collingwood, who is overseeing the fivematch campaign in Chris Silverwood’s absence, said: ‘He is box office and we all desperately want to see him play. I’m an England fan as much as I am coach and we all desperately want to see him go about his business.

‘It also gives you confidence as a batter having liam in because he can balance the side and you know when you have got someone like Sam Billings coming at seven that it is a formidable line-up.’

accepting that their penchant for chasing during the last World Cup cycle meant they lacked big-game experience when it came to defending in november’s semi-final defeat by new Zealand, England may continue to bat first here as they build towards next autumn’s tournament in australia.

‘The one thing about Eoin Morgan is that he is willing to lose games if it is to better the side,’ Collingwood said.

‘I think it was evident going into that World Cup semi-final that it was in an area that we really hadn’t been pressed on too much. So obviously, if we can put ourselves in those pressure positions it is going to be better for us later this year.’

Tymal Mills should return alongside fellow left-armer Reece Topley as England rejig their bowling unit in response to the Windies crashing 59 from the final three overs on Sunday. TV: LIVE on BT Sport 1 from 7.30pm (8pm start).