England leveled the ODI series by creating history in the second game of the three-match ODI series against the hosts West Indies at Antigua. 

Trailing the series by 1-0, England chose to field first after winning the toss in the second game of the series. After West Indies scored 328/6 in 50 overs, England successfully reached the target in 47.3 overs after losing five wickets.

Captain Shai Hope scored a century in the first innings

Captain Shai Hope scored his 17th ODI century as his 117 off 127 balls (eight fours and four sixes) powered the Caribbean team to score a big ODI total. Keacy Carty (71) and Sherfane Rutherford (54) supported him with half-centuries, while Shimron Hetmyer (24), Roston Chase (20*), and Matthew Forde (23*) brought some useful cameos.

Captain Liam Livingstone fired a match-winning century

In reply, although England lost a couple of wickets cheaply, they always had some useful partnerships. Opener Phil Salt (59), Jacob Bethell (55), and Sam Curran (52) scored valuable half-centuries, while the captain Liam Livingstone scored his maiden ODI century as he remained not out on 124 runs off 85 balls (five fours and nine sixes) to guide the visitors to reach the target safely. 

Both captains scored centuries in the same ODI

• It was the seventh time in ODI cricket history that both captains scored centuries in the same game. 

• England also became the first team to successfully chase three 300+ ODI targets in the West Indies. Even the hosts West Indies have recorded it twice. 

Second highest successful ODI chase in West Indies

• England recorded the second-highest successful ODI chase in the West Indies. They also hold the record for the highest successful chase of 361 runs against West Indies in the 2019 Bridgetown ODI. 

Following Liam Livingstone‘s departure from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Rajasthan Royals bid farewell to another English cricketer as explosive batsman Jos Buttler exits the tournament to fulfil his national commitments.

Buttler’s Farewell: Rajasthan Royals Lose a Key Player

In a poignant video shared by the Rajasthan Royals’ official social media handle, Jos Buttler is seen bidding farewell to his teammates before departing from the Royals’ camp. His departure leaves a void in the team, depriving Rajasthan of a critical player known for his explosive batting prowess.

Liam Livingstone’s Departure: English Exodus from IPL Continues

The exit of Jos Buttler marks the continuation of a trend wherein English players have been leaving the IPL midway to prepare for international duties. Liam Livingstone’s departure preceded Buttler’s exit, adding to the list of English stars relinquishing their IPL campaigns for national duty.

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Liam Livingstone’s premature departure from the IPL was driven by concerns over his fitness, particularly his troublesome knee. Having suffered from a series of muscle injuries recently, Livingstone prioritized his recovery for the T20 World Cup to ensure his availability for England’s campaign.

ECB’s Call: National Duty Beckons for England Players

The decision to leave the IPL stems from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) call for World Cup-bound players to return to the national setup ahead of the crucial series against Pakistan. With the T20Is against Pakistan serving as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup, key players like Buttler become imperative for England.

Following Livingstone and Buttler’s exit, the rest of England’s World Cup squad members who participated in the IPL are expected to return home. Players like Will Jacks, Reece Topley, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, and Phil Salt will join their teammates in England, where they will regroup ahead of the series against Pakistan. The squad is scheduled to reconvene in Leeds ahead of England’s first T20I against Pakistan at Headingley on May 22.

Reunion in Leeds: England Squad Gathers for T20I Against Pakistan

The England squad’s reunion in Leeds marks the beginning of a crucial phase in their preparation for the T20 World Cup. As players regroup and focus shifts towards the series against Pakistan, anticipation builds among fans as they eagerly await the team’s performance on home soil.

In the IPL 2024 season, Sanju Samson has not only continued to impress with his batting but has also turned heads with his exceptional skills behind the stumps. His recent performance against Punjab Kings, where he ensured Liam Livingstone’s runout, highlighted a pivotal moment not just for the Rajasthan Royals but for Samson’s career as a standout wicketkeeper.

The Signature Runout Against Punjab Kings

In a critical match moment, Samson executed a stunning run-out of Liam Livingstone, who was looking dangerous at 21 off 14 balls. The throw from debutant Tanush Kotian was off target, but Samson’s agility and presence of mind turned it into a match-defining moment, keeping Punjab under 150 runs.

See Also: IPL 2024: Mitchell Marsh returns to Australia after hamstring injury, check latest report

Evolution of His Wicket-keeping

Traditionally not viewed as an exceptional wicketkeeper, Samson has dramatically shifted this perception in IPL 2024. With five dismissals to his name already, including a standout runout that could be dubbed a “Dhoni-esque” moment, he has redefined his role in the team.

Samson’s Batting Brilliance

This year, Samson has averaged an impressive 82 at a strike rate of 157, making him the fourth-highest run-scorer so far. His consistent performance marks a significant upturn compared to previous seasons, where flashes of brilliance were often overshadowed by inconsistency.

Samson’s Technique and Training

Samson’s improvement is a testament to his rigorous training regime and the technological inputs from coaching staff. Special emphasis on agility drills and reflex training has enhanced his ability to execute quick stumpings and runouts.

Impact on Rajasthan Royals’ Strategy

Samson’s form and skills have allowed the Rajasthan Royals to strategize more aggressively, knowing they have both a reliable batsman and a sharp wicketkeeper. His role as a pivotal player in crunch situations has solidified this season.

Comparison with Legendary Wicket-keepers

While comparisons with MS Dhoni might be premature, Samson’s recent exploits hint at a potential to reach similar heights. His calm demeanor and sharp reflexes echo the qualities seen in legendary figures like Dhoni.

Several key players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 are facing the prospect of early exits from the tournament due to their international commitments. These players, integral to their IPL franchises, are likely to depart earlier than expected, leaving a void in their teams’ line-ups. Let’s know about the details of these potential departures and their impact on the ongoing IPL season.

Reece Topley (RCB)

Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Reece Topley is an essential component of England’s T20 World Cup plans. Scheduled to leave in the third week of May, Topley’s absence could pose a challenge for RCB’s bowling lineup as they strive for success in the IPL.

Sikandar Raza (PBKS)

Playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Sikandar Raza is expected to bid adieu to the IPL by the end of April. With Zimbabwe set to tour Bangladesh for five T20Is, Raza’s departure could disrupt PBKS’ balance in the middle order.

Mustafizur Rahman (CSK)

For Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mustafizur Rahman’s services might not be available in May due to Bangladesh’s T20I series against Zimbabwe and the USA. Rahman’s absence could affect CSK’s bowling options in the crucial stages of the tournament.

Jos Buttler (RR)

Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Jos Buttler could receive a call back in the third week of May as England prepares to face Pakistan in four T20Is starting from May 22. Buttler’s potential departure could leave a significant void in RR’s batting lineup.

Will Jacks (RCB)

Another player from RCB, Will Jacks, is a vital cog in England’s T20 World Cup plans. Like Topley, he might leave the IPL early to participate in T20Is against Pakistan, potentially impacting RCB’s middle-order stability.

Liam Livingstone (PBKS)

PBKS’s Liam Livingstone is another English player who could exit the IPL prematurely to feature in the Pakistan series. His departure might disrupt PBKS’s plans, especially considering his all-round capabilities.

Moeen Ali (CSK)

CSK’s Moeen Ali could face unavailability issues with England facing Pakistan from May 22 onwards. Ali’s departure might leave a void in CSK’s middle order and spin department.

Phil Salt (KKR)

Representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), opener Phil Salt might also face an early exit from the IPL due to England’s series against Pakistan. KKR could struggle to find a suitable replacement for Salt at the top of the order.

Joshua Little (Gujarat Titans)

Although he hasn’t featured in any games this season, Joshua Little of Gujarat Titans might have to leave in May as Ireland plays Pakistan in three T20Is from May 10 to 14. His absence might not directly impact Gujarat Titans but could affect their squad depth.

Sam Curran (PBKS)

PBKS’s Sam Curran, a key member of the team, might be unavailable towards the end of the league stage due to his international commitments. His absence could pose challenges for PBKS in both batting and bowling departments.

Jonny Bairstow (PBKS)

Another PBKS player, Jonny Bairstow, might have to depart early to be available for England’s T20Is against Pakistan. His early exit could disrupt PBKS’s batting plans and team balance.

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These potential departures due to international commitments highlight the delicate balance between IPL participation and national team duties. Cricket enthusiasts will keenly observe how these developments unfold and the subsequent impact on their respective IPL franchises.

On Wednesday, April 5, while Punjab Kings were playing Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, their hard-hitting English recruit Liam Livingstone was practicing at Old Trafford. On Thursday, he was seen going around the Manchester ground while Lancashire were engaged with a county game against Surrey.

Evidently, the time he was scheduled to arrive in India for the IPL 2023 has passed, and the Punjab Kings do not yet know exactly when the daring batsman will join the Mohali team.

“He will be here next week,”

said a PBKS official after the team’s win, over Rajasthan Royals, second in as many games.

According to inquiries conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC), the arrival of Livingstone, who was purchased for INR 11.5 crores in the 2022 auction for his all-round abilities, may not occur until the middle of April.

“He’s due to arrive mid-April. He is coming along nicely.”

an ECB official told Cricbuzz on Thursday. 

Livingstone appears to not be 100%, and he has been working on his fitness with his LCCC teammates. He has not played competitive cricket since December due to injuries to his knee and ankle.

“He is still working through his rehab on the injury. He is currently working on his rehab at Old Trafford. He will be in India around April 15, the dates are fluid,”

the ECB official said.

Addressing Sky Sports on Thursday night, Livingstone said he is expecting clinical freedom in the following two or three days to travel to India.

“Looking forward to a good IPL season,”

the all-rounder said on live television following which indicates he could arrive before the 15th of this month.

Livingstone has been encouraging his PBKS teammates from afar through posts on social media before and after their IPL games so far. However, the franchise would be looking for his expertise in fielding and the bat’s firepower, which is crucial to the side’s middle-order.

PBKS IPL 2023 Squad: Liam Livingstone to join next week, Rabada available

• As he goes through rehab, Liam Livingstone will miss a few more games.
• Kagiso Rabada has joined the squad and will be available for the Sunrisers game. 
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa is also fit and is likely to be available for the Hyderabad match. 
• The England star will join the squad next week. PBKS expects him to be cleared by the ECB.

The Shikhar Dhawan side offer the best position in the focuses table with Gujarat Titans with four places. On April 9, they will play another away match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Prior to the 2022-23 Big Bash League (BBL), Melbourne Renegades suffered a major blow after Liam Livingstone pulled out of the tournament. Back in August, the Renegades picked Livingstone as their first player. As he was set to take part in the first half of the tournament before plying his trade in the SA20. “We’ve already secured Andre Russell for the first four matches and know the match-winning ability he will add to our team,” Rosengarten added.

However, he was later picked for England’s Test series against Pakistan in December. Earlier, the Renegades signed West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell on a four-game deal with the hope that Livingstone would come back. But that won’t be the case anymore. Livingstone became the second overseas player after all-rounder David Willey. Also pulled out of the upcoming T20 championship on Australian soil. The Renegades are scheduled to start their BBL campaign on December 15 against the Brisbane Heat at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns.

Also Read: IPL 2023: Joe Root puts name forward for IPL auction after lengthy T20 absence

Liam Livingstone won’t be taking part in BBL 2022-23

“We’re obviously disappointed that we won’t have Liam as part of our team this summer, but we understand his decision.” Renegades general manager James Rosengarten, was quoted as saying. “Liam is a fantastic cricketer and there’s a reason we used our first pick in the draft to select him. Since then, his schedule has changed with added international duties. We wish him the best as he pushes for a Test debut. The Renegades finished at the bottom of the points table last season with wins in only three of their 14 matches in the league stage.

“We know Liam had been looking forward to working with our head coach, David Saker, and playing for our club. Hopefully, we can make that happen in the coming seasons,” he stated. “We have been in regular communication with Liam. His management over the last couple of months, which has allowed us to execute a plan that is best for the Renegades for this season.

A stifling bowling show, led by Kagiso Rabada’s four-for and figures of 4-0-17-0 from Sandeep Sharma, restricted table-toppers Gujarat Titans to a below-par 143 and revived Punjab Kings’ campaign for the playoffs race. Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Liam Livingstone made short work of the chase which they sealed with as many as four overs to spare, and lifted Kings from eighth to fifth spot on the table. More importantly, their net run rate was boosted from -0.470 to -0.229. Titans experimented with the decision of opting to bat but could not stitch any substantial partnerships with regular fall of wickets.

It was Sai Sudharsan’s maiden fifty that steered them from 67 for 4 in the 12th over towards 150, but like captain Hardik Pandya said later, “obviously we were not even close to par”.The early strangle from Kings’ bowlers. Rabada takesShubman Gill’s poor recent form and the lack of a stable batter at No. 3 had been troubling Titans, and their issues were compounded on Tuesday. Wridhhiman Saha swung for the hills down the ground for a stroke-filled 21 off 17 but he and Gill fell in consecutive overs.

Saha swung the next ball for a one-bounce four and hammered a six next over, but he swung one too many when he miscued Rabada to mid-off in the fourth over. Rabada, Eight overs without a boundary. The King’s bowlers not only struck regularly, but they also dried up the boundaries. Sandeep stuck to the length and short-of-good length areas just outside off with a hint of swing and the others, too, bowled to their fields so well that the Titans couldn’t score a boundary for 48 balls. Hardik Pandya crawled to Rabada 1 off six balls before edging one behind after the powerplay ended.

Must Read: IPL 2022: Young Pace Guns of The Season

Rabada takes 4 wickets and takes the match from Table Topper GT

Rahul Chahar then hurt his bowling hand in his first over while collecting a throw from the deep and he walked off immediately. Livingstone completed the over and then got one more, also because he could bowl off-breaks to two left-hand batters with the longer boundary on the leg side. He barely offered any room, and when David Miller tried to end the boundary-less streak, he found long-off for 11 and Titans were 67 for 4. Sudharsan’s maiden fifty lifts Titans. It was almost as if 20-year-old Sudharsan flicked a switch on for boundaries once Miller fell.

He pounced on the short balls and collected fours in consecutive overs off Rishi, Livingstone and the returning Chahar and then one down the ground off Arshdeep Singh to race to 45. Even though Rabada choked the lower order with back-to-back wickets of Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan in the 17th over, Sudharsan pulled Arshdeep for six to bring up his fifty and lead Titans to a more respectable 143 for 8. Dhawan, Rajapaksa go bang, bang. Chasing a below-par total on a pitch that was two-paced and had good bounce for the quicks.

Mayank Agarwal chose to drop himself down further and sent left-hand batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa at No. 3. Shikhar had already dispatched two wide balls for back-to-back fours against his Delhi team-mate Pradeep Sangwan and he found able support in Rajapaksa who struck Shami for two fours when the fast bowler pitched it even slightly short in the third over. Alzarri Joseph came on for Sangwan and got the same treatment. Shikhar ramped him for six and followed it with a tickle down the leg side for four more.

He continued to target the off-side boundary and the big over came when Sangwan returned as soon as the powerplay ended. Rajapaksa heaved him for two fours in two balls before Shikhar unleashed another upper cut to make it a 15-run over and reduce the equation to a comfortable 86 off 78.Dhawan, Livingstone give NRR boost. The situation was such that Kings could have cautiously seen through Rashid’s spell and still won. Shikhar was happy to rotate the strike until Lockie Ferguson returned for an eventful over.

The IPL 2022 Auction is an even that can often spring up some surprises, and allow certain players to go higher than expected. With a lot of talent and lot to offer from a certain players, the Auction sees cricketers go at rates much greater than their base price, despite not much predictions being made. The surprising picks are not necessarily the highest paid, but they do end up having a lot more demand than expected in the IPL Auction.

IPL 2022 Auction Players to watch , here is the list

Odean Smith

Odean Smith is a fast-bowling all-rounder from Jamaica, and is very similar to Andre Russel. He can touch speeds of 90 miles per hour with ease, and is a very explosive six-hitter at the back end of the innings. His performance in the Caribbean Premier League was pretty good last season, and Smith is also starting to find his feet in international cricket.

He isn’t too experienced and his ability in India hasn’t been tested yet, and these factors could be on the franchises mind. Apart from his experience and ability in India though, Odean Smith could be a promising buy, and with his explosive ability he could go for a decent price when compared to his base price.

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan made a name for himself in the TNPL, with his explosive hitting, and continued to do wonders in the domestic tournaments. He is now famous for his finishing abilities, and was a key player for Tamil Nadu in the Syed Ali Mushtaq Trophy and the Vijay Hazare trophy. In the previous IPL auction, Shah Rukh Khan had some strong demand as he went for over 6cr. He had a decent season, scoring fifty against Chennai, but couldn’t find a regular spot in the team. He has had a better year after the IPL, and has also made the national squad, which could help increase the demand for him in the IPL Auction.

Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone had a dream tournament while playing the hundred, and is in some strong form for England in the shortest format. His batting in the middle has been aggressive and consistent, but it has been his bowling which is making noise. With the ability to bowl both off and leg spin, Livingstone is a silent and economical customer in the middle overs. He has been running through his overs nicely, and choking teams. His bowling wasn’t used to much by the Rajasthan Royals, but this time it will have a huge role in the tournament, and that could be a factor that helps his price go up high.

KS Bharat

With all the franchises hitting the reset button, wicket-keepers will have a lot of demand. KS Bharat has been in the middle of a good run, and that helps him gather attention. He has played for India A consistently, and is a part of the Test side, subbing in nicely against New Zealand.

He was also pretty consistent for RCB last season, scoring runs at three and setting the innings up nicely for Glenn Maxwell and Ab De Villiers. Among all the consistency, Bharat rose to fame after a famous incident with Avesh Khan saw him hit a six to beat Delhi in a thrilling encounter. Recent events will definitely help the Andhra boy be among the top wicket-keepers to look out for in the IPL Auction.

Washington Sundar

As always, all-rounders generally tend to have a lot of takers in the IPL Auction. Washington Sundar is one who is very capable to attract interest as well. He is young, he can bat anywhere in the batting line-up, and bowls off-spin. He is very good with the new ball, giving silent overs up front, and can also open the batting as he did the job in the TNPL before. He is in good batting form, and has nearly breached the century on multiple occasions. With multiple utilities and age on his side, Sundar could have a lot of takers, and it will be interesting to see how teams use Sundar’s potential as he often goes unused in the IPL.

Jason Holder

Jason Holder is another quiet customer who can bring in a lot of value. He came in as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh in IPL 2020, and did a really good job with the ball as Sunrisers turned a poor tournament around and qualified. He took a lot of wickets in the middle-order while also providing stability in the middle order. As a bowler, Holder doesn’t have too much pace, which makes him go unnoticed. His height though allows him to extract awkward bounce, and he has the knack of getting lots of wickets in the middle overs.

Coming to his batting, Holder isn’t as explosive as an Andre Russell, but he can hit the big ones nicely. He is a calm cricketer who takes the game deep, and calculates his innings well. He knows how to hang around, and plays the situation nicely before going for the big ones. Despite his talents, Jason Holder often tends to go unnoticed, but his numbers are good enough to keep franchises interested, and he could easily surprise a lot of people in the IPL Auction.

Deepak Chahar

Since 2018, Deepak Chahar has been among the top bowlers in the powerplay. He has the ability to extract any amount of swong in the surface, and is priceless upfront, picking up key wickets early on. Along with his new-ball skills, Deepak Chahar is an improving death bowler, and has grown vastly in the last few years. He is also a handy lower order batter, and due to his all-round skills, Chahar can easily attract some strong bids in the auction. With the Chennai Super Kings likely to target him, Chahar will not go cheap, and may well break records as the most expensive fast bowler in the IPL Auction.

Liam Livingstone believes his emergence as one of the most feared white-ball players in the world may have cost him a dream Ashes call-up, but still feels he can be a force in Test cricket if England “take a punt”. Over the past year, Livingstone’s career has touched new heights, becoming the six-hitting star attraction of the Hundred and marking his comeback to the international fold this summer with a 42-ball T20 century against Pakistan – the fastest ever hundred by an England batter. He was also an ever-present in the run to the last four of this month’s T20 World Cup, showing his all-around skills with a superb spell of spin bowling in the semi-final defeat to New Zealand.

His form has been so dazzling at times that many fans, and several high-profile pundits, thought he was a shoo-in to be part of this winter’s trip to Australia. Instead, he was omitted from the senior squad and the Lions group which is currently shadowing them Down Under and will spend the next couple of weeks 7,000 miles away captaining the host franchise in the Abu Dhabi T10 league. While some remain perplexed by his absence, Livingstone is not among them. He has played just eight first-class matches since the start of 2020, averaging 14.75 along the way, numbers which reflect the focus he has poured into his limited-overs game.

“I wouldn’t say I was surprised. Absolutely not. I haven’t done well enough in red-ball cricket,” he told the PA news agency from the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. “I have spent less time on my red-ball game and ultimately that’s how I’ve paid the price for my white-ball rise. “I want to go and play Test cricket but I haven’t had a chance to work on my red-ball game. If you’ve only half-a-dozen games in the last two years you’re obviously not able to push your way into the Test team.

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Liam livingstone looking for a breakthrough into Englands Test team.

“But if you flip it, if they did take a punt on me, I believe I have the skills to perform. I still average nearly 40 across more than 60 games so my stats suggest I’m not the worst player out there. I’ve proved I can affect a game in all three facets and that I can bat and bowl under pressure in certain situations.” Just a couple of years ago Livingstone looked to be heading down a different path, withdrawing from an Indian Premier League deal to start the season with Lancashire and prioritize his ambitions in the longer format.

And yet he insists his recent experiences with England prove he was right to pivot towards the franchise system. “I know I made the right decision because I’ve just represented my country at a World Cup, which was a lifelong dream,” he said. “I’ve taken a few days to reflect and it fills me with a lot of pride to know I’ve just played every game for England at a World Cup because 12 months ago I was nowhere near doing that. “I had to go down that white-ball route.

I kept asking myself ‘how do I get in that World Cup squad?’ and it’s pretty simple to me: if I had tried to split my cricket 50:50 between the formats, I wouldn’t have been at the tournament.” At the age of 28, there is plenty of time for Livingstone to earn his England whites, but he is resolved to not let that define him. “Playing Test cricket is something I dreamed of as a kid, and I still do, but I’m not going to live a lifetime of regret if I don’t,” he said.“I just hope an opportunity comes around in the next couple of years.”