England vs Australia: Liam Livingstone smashes hosts to victory in second T20

Moved up to bat at four in this series, Livingstone has taken his chance in the first two games.

He was the pick of the England batters in Southampton but was unable to take his side to their target.

The 31-year-old made no such mistake this time as he constructed a brilliant T20 innings, showing composure alongside his destructive hitting to ensure the hosts never fell too far behind in the chase.

He arrived at the crease after two wickets in a fine over from Sean Abbott had put Australia on top, with England 34-2.

Phil Salt was still there, having hit a trio of sixes to get England’s innings going, but when he fell for a brisk 39, the hosts’ lengthy tail came into view and the need for a partnership was clear.

Livingstone and Bethell rose to the occasion, with the former ramping Cameron Green for four then six prior to carting Marcus Stoinis into the stands two balls running to bring up a 27-ball fifty.

At the other end, 20-year-old Bethell overcame a slightly tentative start by walloping left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly for six and followed it up with his takedown of Zampa.

It was just a 24-ball innings but Bethell’s performance is one that will excite – 44 is the highest score by an England batter aged 20 or under in T20s.

Livingstone has often been restricted to cameos while batting lower down the order in recent years.

But this was a stark reminder of what he is capable of as he ensured there is something riding on the third T20 in Manchester.