Jacob Bethell told he 'put ego aside' and showed more maturity than Liam Livingstone
Jacob Bethell told he 'put ego aside' and showed more maturity than Liam Livingstone
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Ex-England wicketkeeper Matt Prior has criticised Liam Livingstone for his batting approach in the opening match of the three-game ODI series against India on February 6 in Nagpur, while he praised 21-year-old Jacob Bethell for his maturity. Batting first, England posted a measly 248, getting bowled out in 47.3 overs. Despite picking up two early wickets, England failed to defend the total as India chased it down comfortably in 38.4 overs with four wickets to spare.
While it is a collective failure, fans and analysts have expressed disappointment with the approach of some of the team's experienced batters, particularly Livingstone, when compared to the way a youngster like Bethell batted. Livingstone’s dismissal in the first innings further cast shadows on his decision-making under pressure. The Lancashire all-rounder came in to bat with England in a precarious position at 170-5 in 33 overs. With the team needing his experience to navigate the death overs and post a competitive total, he managed just five runs and was dismissed while playing a wild swipe after walking down the track to debutant Harshit Rana.
Prior, the former England wicketkeeper, was vocal in his criticism of Livingstone while praising young Bethell for his composed performance. During the innings break, Prior compared Livingstone's approach to that of Bethell, who showcased far greater composure and maturity. Bethell, playing only his ninth international ODI, scored a crucial half-century off 63 balls, helping England cross the 200-run mark after coming in at 111-4.
Although he was dismissed shortly after for 51, his innings stood in stark contrast to Livingstone's rash dismissal. Prior shared his thoughts, speaking to TNT Sports. He said: “Steve [Finn] and I were talking off air about Livingstone, as an example, who’s played a lot of cricket now and you think, can you put your ego to one side and actually make good decisions under pressure? Bethell I thought showed the more experienced batters how to play in that situation and tried to get your foundation.”.
