England vs Australia: Liam Livingstone scores historic half-century as England dominate Australia in 186-run win

Liam Livingstone set a new record by scoring the fastest half-century in One Day Internationals at Lord's, helping England secure a commanding 186-run victory over Australia in the fourth ODI. This win brought the series to a tie at 2-2.

After Australia decided to bowl first against England, Livingstone stepped up to bat later in the innings. He had only 8.4 overs to make an impact, and he certainly did, hitting seven sixes and three fours. He reached his half-century in just 25 balls and finished with an impressive unbeaten 62, showcasing his incredible talent.

His impressive performance was highlighted during the last over of the innings, where Mitchell Starc (0-70) was hit for four sixes and a four. This incredible feat contributed to a new record of 12 sixes hit by a single team at Lord's.

Ben Duckett played an important role with his score of 64, while captain Harry Brook added an impressive 87 runs. Together, they helped England set a record for the highest total ever achieved at this venue in One Day International cricket.

Australia aimed for a tough target of 313 to secure both the match and the series. They began well but quickly collapsed, losing six wickets in just seven overs. Brydon Carse (3-36), Jofra Archer (2-33), and Matthew Potts (4-38) all played key roles in the downfall. In the end, the visitors managed to score only 126 runs before getting all out.

The outcome of the five-match series will be determined this Sunday in Bristol.

Livingstone Shines With Record-Breaking 50

Following a rain delay that lasted over two hours, the match was shortened to 39 overs for each team. England took their time settling into their innings, facing the challenges of limited time and a pitch that offered some movement, which made it difficult for them to score.

Australia made a strong start by dismissing Phil Salt for 22 runs, bowled by Josh Hazlewood, who took 1 wicket for 40 runs. Will Jacks also couldn't manage much, scoring just 10 runs before being caught out by captain Mitch Marsh, who finished with 1 wicket for 27 runs. This left England in a tough position at 72 for 2 after 14 overs, needing to regroup and put in more effort.

At that point, two standout players emerged. The first was opener Duckett, who effortlessly reached his half-century in just 51 balls, hitting four boundaries and one six along the way. He was well supported by Brook, who played alongside him brilliantly.

As Duckett forged a solid partnership with Brook, a typical moment of tension unfolded behind the stumps. Josh Inglis made a hefty appeal, convinced he had caught Brook out in the 17th over. However, after an umpire review, it was determined that the ball had touched the ground first, leading to a chorus of boos echoing around the iconic venue.

After the excitement with the wicketkeeper and Duckett's departure, which came from Adam Zampa (2-66) in the 23rd over, Brook kept piling on the runs with remarkable ease. He maintained his excellent performance from the third ODI in Durham, reaching his fourth ODI half-century in only 37 balls.

It seemed that Brook was on track to score his second one-day international century in just two games. However, he was stunningly dismissed for 87 when Glenn Maxwell leaped to make an incredible catch at the boundary off a delivery from Zampa. Brook’s impressive innings included 11 fours and a six.

With England at 232-4, Jamie Smith (39) was dismissed by a delivery from Maxwell, leaving the team with seven overs remaining and five wickets in hand to boost their score as much as they could.

Livingstone seized the chance to unleash his aggressive style, delivering an astonishing performance that included 62 runs and seven sixes, much to the crowd's delight. Even the seasoned bowler Starc, known for his skills in the final overs, couldn't prevent him from scoring. As a result, he played a crucial role in establishing an imposing target of 313 runs.

Potts, Carse, And Archer Shine As Aussie Batters Struggle

It was expected that Australia would launch an aggressive chase after facing a challenging run target. They started strong, with Mitch Marsh scoring 28 runs and Travis Head adding 34, quickly bringing their score to 66 without losing any wickets after the first eight overs. This marks the best start ever at Lord's by an opposing team.

Even with their impressive beginning, England continued to press forward and seized the opportunity to make an impact, taking six wickets for only 28 runs over just 43 balls.

Following the dismissal of the notoriously tricky Head, who fell to an impressive delivery from Carse, Potts seized his chance to send Steve Smith packing for just 10 runs. Archer then got rid of the Australian captain in the 12th over with another exceptional ball.

Carse kept delivering impressive bowling and got his reward in the 15th over, claiming two more wickets. He dismissed Josh Inglis, who scored 8 runs, and Marnus Labuschagne, who managed just 4 runs.

The 16th over saw the attack continue, with Archer striking out Maxwell (0) for a duck, leaving Australia in a tough spot at 96-6.

Potts seized the opportunity to make an impact, dismissing Sean Abbott for 10 runs in the 22nd over. He followed that up by taking out both Alex Carey, who scored 13, and Adam Zampa, who did not score, in the 24th over. This left Australia struggling at 122 for 9.

Veteran spinner Adil Rashid (1-11) stepped in to finish the match and achieve his 50th ODI wicket, bowling out Josh Hazlewood (0) and leading England to a convincing 186-run victory.

Following their impressive streak of 14 consecutive ODI victories, Australia has now faced back-to-back losses against England.

Marsh: We Were Outplayed; Brook: Great Bowling

Match MVP and England's skipper Harry Brook:

"We've gathered all the good things and energy from our previous experiences and brought them to this moment."

"Duckett has proven himself to be a formidable player at the top of the order, making him very difficult to bowl to."

"Livingstone demonstrated his skills tonight, and we all recognize what he can do."

"We simply recognize when it's necessary to exert influence."

They bowled exceptionally well and took full advantage of a unique pitch, delivering their lengths with impressive precision.

"Archer was delivering the ball at a fast pace with some movement in the air and off the pitch. Let's hope to see more of this in the future."

Captain of Australia, Mitchell Marsh:

"We didn't perform at our best today, but credit to England for applying the pressure on us."

"They performed better than us today."

Liam Livingstone likely surpassed expectations with an outstanding performance at the crease.

In a run chase like that, it’s essential to have a few significant partnerships and for several players to find their rhythm.

England performed exceptionally with the ball. That's just how cricket is.

"Bristol promises to be an amazing experience, and England has made a strong comeback."

England Vs Australia Schedule: All Matches On Sky Sports

Catch the fifth and last ODI between England and Australia at The Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol. Tune in live on Sky Sports Cricket starting at 10:30 AM on Sunday, September 29, with the first ball being bowled at 11:00 AM. You can also watch without a contract through NOW.

(c) Sky Sports 2024: England vs Australia: Liam Livingstone makes history with his half-century as England secures a commanding 186-run victory over Australia.