ENG VS PAK:Liam Livingstone, an all-rounder for England, injured his right knee during the opening Test and will not play in the current Test series against Pakistan.
Liam Livingstone Out of Pakistan Tour
On day two, after England had scored 657 runs in their first innings, Livingstone, who was playing in his first game of the format, jarred his knee while fielding a ball on the boundary. He did not participate in Pakistan’s first innings at all, but he did bat in England’s second one. Liam scored an unbeaten 7, but he was clearly in pain as he hobbled between the wickets. He didn’t bowl and scored nine runs in the first inning.
Livingstone to Return UK on Tuesday After Injury
On day four, on Sunday morning, a scan made clear the extent of the harm. The ECB and the Lancashire medical experts will oversee his recovery regimen once he arrives back in the UK on Tuesday. Before England declared and gave Pakistan a target of 343, he came out at No. 8, one position lower than normal, and stumbled his way to an unbeaten 7 off 8 balls. He made 9 out of 10 in the first inning and wasn’t called up to pitch after that. Instead, England made full use of Jacks’ offspin, as he scored six runs in the opening innings.
England Looking for Liam Livingstone’s Replacement
England has not yet determined whether or not to call up a substitute. Livingstone was a potent hitter in the shorter forms. But his biggest selling point on this tour was his ability to spin the ball. This gives the team options for legspin and offspin. Ben Foakes’ sickness forced a last-minute replacement, Will Jacks, into the starting lineup for this Test. In his debut, he took 6 for 161 with his own offies. Rehan Ahmed, a legspinning allrounder for Leicestershire, provides a compelling alternative. Although one that is still in its infancy.
Mark Wood Likely to Replace Livingstone in Playing 11
The fast bowler Mark Wood, who is also in the team, appears to have the best chance of temporarily taking Livingstone’s position in the starting XI. On a similarly placid surface, the second Test at Multan, which starts on Friday, is anticipated to go. If the Durham quick can regain match sharpness in the coming days after missing the first Test with a hip injury, his lightning pace will undoubtedly be a boost.
