Liam Livingstone Frustrated by England Snub Despite Hundred and IPL Success
Liam Livingstone has admitted he has not heard a single word from England selectors since being dropped from the national white-ball squads in May, despite strong performances in domestic and franchise cricket.
The 32-year-old allrounder, currently leading the run-scoring charts in the Men’s Hundred while captaining Birmingham Phoenix, said his last contact with England’s management came during the IPL when head coach Brendon McCullum informed him of his omission from the squads to face West Indies in June.
“I haven’t had a single word since halfway through the IPL,” Livingstone told talkSPORT’s Following On podcast. “I don’t really know where I stand, to be honest. The frustrating part for me is I feel like I’ve got my best cricket ahead of me.”
Livingstone, who was part of England’s Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, has not featured in any format since their group-stage exit in March. Though his own form in that tournament, as well as the preceding series in India and Pakistan, was underwhelming, he believes his omission has lacked communication and clarity.
“Obviously I didn’t have a great series in India and Pakistan and I hold my hands up — I wasn’t good enough out there. But I probably wasn’t the only one.”
The allrounder, who won the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru this year despite limited opportunities, has been in prolific form in the Hundred. However, he was once again overlooked in the latest white-ball squads announced to face South Africa and Ireland next month. With his England central contract expiring later this year, his international future appears uncertain.
Livingstone reflected on the irony that his flexibility — a trait once valued by selectors — may now be working against him.
“Maybe my versatility has been a bit of a curse,” he said. “Being able to bat down the order and hit sixes from ball one isn’t something a lot of players can do. But I feel like I’m more than that. I’m not just a slogger.”
He pointed to his record when given more responsibility, including a career-best 124 not out in an ODI against West Indies last year, as evidence of his potential in a more prominent batting role.
“Whenever I’ve gone up the order, I’ve actually done really well for England. The more responsibility I’ve had in my career, the better I’ve done — and I feel like I’m thriving on it at the moment with the Phoenix.”
Livingstone also expressed pride in playing for England and a desire to help the team ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
“I absolutely love playing for England… Nothing makes me prouder. I feel like, coming into a World Cup year, I could really help this team go far. I still believe I’m good enough to play for England.”
Despite his strong performances, Livingstone appears to have slipped behind other spin-bowling allrounders in England’s plans. Will Jacks has impressed under Harry Brook’s leadership, while Jacob Bethell — Livingstone’s Birmingham Phoenix teammate — is set to become England’s youngest captain in the upcoming Ireland series.
As Livingstone continues to shine in domestic cricket, his England future remains clouded in uncertainty, with no clear path back into the national setup — or any communication from those at the top.