Pietersen Urges England To Call-up Livingstone To The Test Squad
Former England cricket star Kevin Pietersen believes Liam Livingstone can be a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket.
The Lancashire batsman has established himself as one of the most feared white-ball players in the world, but is yet to make the breakthrough at Test level.
His big-hitting style made him a star attraction in The Hundred last summer, while a 42-ball T20 century against Pakistan further highlighted his talent.
He was also an ever-present in England’s run to the T20 World Cup semi-finals, demonstrating his all-round skills with a superb spell of spin bowling in the defeat against New Zealand.
Livingstone’s devastating form led to many respected pundits predicting he would be called up for England’s winter tour of Australia, but he was surprisingly omitted.
Having suffered a 4-0 series defeat, Pietersen believes England must now throw caution to the wind by calling up Livingstone for this summer’s Test squad.
He told IPL betting site Betway: “He is so free-spirited and I love the way that he is eager to entertain. He wants to give it a smack so he just does, no holding back. It’s awesome to watch.
“There aren’t many better batters than him in England, I tell you. He’s used to playing in this high-pressure environment and he’s loving it.
“I would have him straight in the Test side at five or six. He can change the nature of a match very quickly by taking bowling attacks apart.
“Of course, he would fail at times, but when he goes well, crikey, you would have a guy who can destroy the opposition by scoring quick, entertaining runs.”
England’s recent Test form has been woeful, with a run of one win in 17 matches leading to a massive shake-up of the management structure.
Former New Zealand star Brendon McCullum has been appointed as the new head coach, while Ben Stokes has replaced Joe Root as captain.
Stokes and Root are the only two players likely to be assured of their places for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
Livingstone averages 38.36 in first-class cricket, which makes him a viable option to be handed an opportunity with England’s Test squad.
Australian legend Shane Warne urged England to call-up Livingstone last year, further highlighting the esteem in which he is held in the sport.
Given England’s woes at Test level, it seems unthinkable that Livingstone will not be handed the chance to prove his worth on the big stage.
New managing director Rob Key has spoken about changing the culture of the Test squad, and Pietersen believes he will give McCullum and Stokes the freedom to be brave with their selections.
“I think that Rob Key is on the same page as me in terms of picking players with great skill and a proper mentality, with a bit of oomph about them,” he added. “Hopefully that’s the kind of team England will pick for their first Test of the summer in a few weeks.”