Picture Credit: ECB
The second phase of IPL 2021 is around the corner. The teams are making their way to the UAE to play in the second leg of IPL 2021. But in a big update ahead of the cash-rich league, Liam Livingstone has hurt himself in a Division 1 match of the County Championship while playing for Lancashire against Warwickshire on August 30. While fielding first for Lancashire, Livingstone ran to save the boundary but ended up hurting himself on his shoulder once he dived.
Livingstone’s injury can cause problems to 3 teams
Liam Livingstone is in sensational form currently as he was named the MVP of the Men’s Hundred after his exploits with the bat and contributions with the ball. Livingstone struck 348 runs in nine innings with an average of 58 and a strike rate of 178.46. In the process, he amassed 27 maximums too. He smashed England’s fastest ever hundred during the T20 series against Pakistan. But his injury has raised worries not only for his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals but also for England and Lancashire.
The right-handed batsman was suggested by the Australian legend Shane Warne and England’s former skipper Michael Vaughan to replace Jos Buttler, who is leaving the team on paternity leave in the 4th Test against India. But as England has announced their squad for the 4th Test, it looks like Ollie Pope or Chris Woakes might replace Buttler.
Worries for Rajasthan Royals
For Rajasthan Royals (RR), Liam Livingstone could possibly be a great option to play in the opening slot in the absence of the likes of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. With his ability to hit the bowlers at will, Livingstone can help the RR to score at a much quicker rate and post hefty totals.
Lancashire is playing against Warwickshire, who have amassed 259/3. As soon as Livingstone got injured, he was replaced by Richard Gleeson and his participation in the rest of the match is surely undoubtful. There is no update as of now from Lancashire about Livingstone. Lancashire will take on Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Hampshire in the following days.