Explained: Why Phil Salt And Liam Livingstone Will Be Game-Changers For England In 3rd T20I
Two game changers for England [Source: AP Photos]
England came into the T20I series against India with a lot of confidence but that has been crushed by the Indian superstars as the Suryakumar Yadav led side leads the 5-game series, 2-0. The English batters simply surrendered against the Indian spinners and it led to their downfall in the first two matches.
In the first T20I, the visitors got bundled out for a paltry 132 with almost all the batters failing, barring Jos Buttler. Similarly, their famed batting lineup couldn't deliver the goods in the Chennai T20I and bowed in front of Indian spin class. However, things could change in the next T20I.
The 3rd match of the series will be played at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot and the surface there generally favours the batters. Two England and RCB stars, who will look to get into the groove are Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone. The duo have flopped in the first two matches and here's why they will be game-changers in 3rd T20I.
2) Flat surface to favour the deadly duo
The Rajkot stadium generally offers a flat surface and is known as a batting paradise. The pitch stays the same in both the innings and is known for producing high-scoring matches.
The way England play, their aggressive Bazball style works on flat tracks, and Rajkot is the perfect venue to showcase their class. Both Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone are known as aggressive players and they both flourish on such type of pitches.
Such pitches won't offer much for the spinners, which is India's biggest strength in T20Is. As a result, the duo can play freely without worrying about the spin problems.
1) Both are due for a big score
Both the batters, Salt and Liam Livingstone are due for a big score in this series, and the 3rd T20I could be the game to do it. The conditions will favour the English batters and the duo need to impress their new IPL side, RCB as well. Salt hasn't looked bad in recent matches, and just needs one knock to get back amongst run-getters.
Livingstone has struggled in the series, but the pitches at Rajkot could be the jail-breaker for both the players.