Livingstone’s Test debut reflects the way England changed the philosophy of Test cricket under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. It was another message that aggressive batting continues to present even in white clothes.
In addition to batting, the attractive package of Livingstone, bowling and fielding, emerged in the words of coach McCullum.
“He off-spins, leg-spins, fields well and drives the ball out of bounds with great attacks – it’s hard not to pick a cricketer like that.”
There was one more in England’s squad, however. 24-year-old Will Jacks is also an aggressive batsman and off-spinner. Captain Ben Stokes said that Livingstone has finally progressed to off and leg, two types of spin.
“The real discussion we had was between Jaxy (Zacks) and Livy (Livingstone). In the end, Livi was favored because of his batting position and potential role as a third spinner. It’s great to have someone who can turn the ball both ways.”
“The way Livi carries himself with the bat is very similar to Jaxy. But Livi can do both leg spin and off spin, which is a plus for us.”