LIAM’S FIT FOR BIG BASH AT WORLD CUP
Livingstone’s speedy recovery is Jos the job
LIAM LIVINGSTONE says he is winning his race against time to be fit for the start of England’s World Cup campaign.
The big-hitting Cumbrian damaged ankle ligaments stumbling off a kerb in late August – an injury which initially was expected to keep him out for up to three months.
But he has reported himself ahead of schedule and is targeting England’s final warm-up game next Monday to prove his fitness before taking what he hopes is a starring role for Jos Buttler’s side in Australia.
“In my head I’m aiming for the warm-up game against Pakistan but if I push it too hard, too early you knock yourself back,” said the all-rounder.
“We’re trying to get that balance right – pushing it as hard as we can without aggravating it. I wouldn’t want to go into a game not being 100 percent. Ultimately, there’s no selfish reasons to do that.
“I don’t think that’s the right thing for me to do and I don’t think it’s the right thing to do for the lads. We have got an unbelievable squad out here and I certainly wouldn’t want to be representing my country at 90 percent.
“But it’s improving really quickly and got much better quicker than I thought it was going to.
“Finally we’re at the exciting part of the rehab, we’re getting close and can see light at the end of the tunnel.
“I’m excited to be back out there and back playing.”
Livingstone admitted he has work to do to get himself back in the starting XI after Harry Brook (left) has set pulses racing in his absence, averaging just under 40 in 12 matches.
But there would appear to be little doubt the all-rounder, the top draft pick for the Big Bash league and indemand in franchise T20 cricket everywhere, will be accommodated somewhere.
“I think everybody is now seeing what we see around practice every day. Brooky’s one of those unbelievable talents,” said Livingstone. “We’ve got 15 blokes that are capable of winning games for England and that’s a great thing to be a part of.”
Livingstone is one of a quartet of players to have posted a T20 century for England along with Buttler, Dawid Malan and Alex Hales, and has a dozen wickets in 23 international matches.
And he believes that his enforced absence with injury could ultimately be beneficial for England providing them with a fresh player for the tournament.
“It wasn’t ideal, but I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason and maybe I just needed a break. I’d pretty much played three years of solid cricket so it’s been nice to spend a bit of time at home,” he said.
“I went away for a holiday with my family to Portugal and literally came back a new man. You don’t quite realise it until you’ve done it.
“So mentally the break’s done me the world o f good.”