Liam Livingstone chooses County Championship over IPL as he targets England Test call-up

The 26-year-old allrounder was part of Rajasthan Royals’ squad in 2019, playing four games and scoring 70 runs

Liam Livingstone has chosen to focus on red-ball cricket with Lancashire rather than enter the IPL auction ahead of the tournament’s 2020 edition.

The 26-year-old allrounder was part of Rajasthan Royals’ squad in 2019, playing four games and scoring 70 runs.

He has decided, however, in a mutual decision with the franchise to dedicate the early stages of next year’s campaign to the County Championship as he seeks an England recall.

He is yet to receive a Test cap but was included in England’s touring party for the series against New Zealand in 2018. His international career to date has been restricted to two T20Is against South Africa within three days of each other in June 2017, where he struggled to truly impose himself.

“I loved the experience of playing in the IPL,” Livingstone said. “But I have decided to put a renewed focus on first-class cricket next summer.

“I am committed to improving my game in all formats and I still have hopes of playing Test cricket; the best way to achieve that is by impressing in Division One.

“I hugely enjoyed being part of the County Championship side last season. The lads played some exceptional red-ball cricket and I am optimistic about what we can achieve together moving forward.”

^{Livingstone hit his first century since 2017 as he made 114 against Leicestershire in June}

Livingstone averaged 46.07 in Division Two last season – scoring 599 runs in the process – as Lancashire won promotion in style, going through the whole campaign unbeaten.

“To have Liam available for the start of the season is welcome news,” added Paul Allott, the county’s director of cricket. “He is a senior member of the changing room and undoubtedly improves our side in first-class cricket.

“With an enhanced focus on County Championship cricket in the early months of the 2020 season, we need to ensure we hit the ground running on our return to what will be a competitive Division One. Liam's availability will help us to achieve this.”

Livingstone will miss the One-Day Cup after being signed for £125,000 in the Hundred draft by Birmingham Phoenix. He had also been high up on Manchester's wishlist.

He is already pushing his case to force his way into England’s T20 World Cup squad; he is currently taking part in South Africa’s Mzansi Super League, while he will play for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash.

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