In a stunning display of power hitting, Liam Livingstone clobbered Mitchell Starc for an astonishing 28 runs in the final over of England’s innings during the fourth ODI against Australia at Lord’s on Friday (September 27). This remarkable feat included 4 sixes and one four, marking the most expensive over ever bowled by an Australian in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Liam Livingstone’s beat mode
Livingstone, who stepped in for the injured Jos Buttler, showcased his explosive batting skills by scoring an unbeaten 62 runs off just 27 balls, reaching his half-century in a mere 25 deliveries. His innings helped propel England to a formidable total of 312 runs in a rain-shortened match that was reduced to 39 overs per side due to weather interruptions .
The over began with Livingstone launching a massive six over midwicket on the first ball. Although he faced a dot ball next, he quickly regained momentum, hitting three consecutive sixes on the third, fourth and fifth deliveries. He capped off the over with a four, leaving Starc reeling and setting an unwanted record for the most runs conceded by an Australian bowler in a single ODI over.
Also READ: “I wish he was Australian…”: Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh pick a cricketer with the most Aussie vibe
Starc’s over not only highlighted Livingstone’s prowess but also underscored his struggles with length and execution during the death overs.
Here’s the video:
6️⃣▪️6️⃣6️⃣6️⃣4️⃣
Incredible final over hitting from Liam Livingstone 💪💥
🏴 #ENGvAUS 🇦🇺 | @liaml4893 pic.twitter.com/qfEDxOM88N
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 27, 2024
England levels the five-match ODI series
Livingstone’s belligerent knock also meant that England finished with 12 sixes in their innings, the most by a team in an ODI at Lord’s.
This explosive performance at Lord’s not only solidified Livingstone’s reputation as one of the game’s best finishers but also contributed to England’s commanding position in the series, tying it at 2-2 after their emphatic victory by 186 runs.
England won the fourth ODI by 186 runs (39 overs game)#cricket #ENGvAUS #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/n8jcTdO8bw
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 28, 2024
Brief Scores: England – 312/5 in 39 overs (Harry Brook 87, Ben Duckett 63, Liam Livingstone 62 not out; Adam Zampa 2/66) beat Australia – 126 all out in 24.4 overs (Travis Head 34; Matthew Potts 4/38, Brydon Carse 3/36) by 186 runs.
