England all-rounder Liam Livingstone is determined to use his recent promotion to England’s T20I team as a springboard to regain his place in the ODI squad.

In Wednesday’s match against Australia at the Utilita Bowl, Livingstone, who was utilized as a finisher in recent T20 World Cups, showcased his versatility by batting at No. 4, scoring a top knock of 37, and also taking 3 for 22 with his legbreaks.

Despite his strong performance, Livingstone has been left out of the squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series, with Jacob Bethell taking his place alongside Sam Curran. Although disappointed, Livingstone remains optimistic.

“It is what it is. I’m 31, I’m not going to sit here and cry about not being picked,” Livingstone remarked.

The selection for England’s ODI team is increasingly influenced by the Hundred, which has led to many of the country’s top white-ball players being sidelined from domestic 50-over games. Livingstone, who hasn’t played County Championship cricket in two years, faces a tough challenge, particularly with limited opportunities to display his 50-over capabilities.

Livingstone remains hopeful for a recall during the ODI series in the Caribbean later this year, and he acknowledges that his chances of making the squad for February’s Champions Trophy may depend more on his T20 form.

“I don’t really know – that’s one of my challenges,” Livingstone said. “That’s why I’m glad to have the chance to bat up the order in T20Is. I believe that the longer I get to bat, the more chance I have to impact games.”

Reflecting on his past successes, including a stunning 42-ball century against Pakistan in 2021 and an impressive 117-meter six off Haris Rauf, Livingstone’s aggressive style has been celebrated in both international and franchise cricket. However, injuries, including an ankle injury before the 2022 T20 World Cup and a knee injury on his Test debut, have impacted his form and raised questions about his future in England’s plans.

Now fully fit, Livingstone views the current series as a crucial opportunity to demonstrate his value. “I’m running around at 100 percent in the field, and I can bowl and bat to my full potential, which I haven’t been able to do for the past two-and-a-half years,” he shared.

With the absence of Test players like Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, Livingstone has been entrusted with the No. 4 spot—a position he eagerly embraces. “I want that responsibility. I want to try to win games for England, and batting higher up the order gives me more chances to do that,” he explained. He acknowledges that fewer players excel in lower-order roles, and sees this as a vital opportunity to “stake his claim” and prompt selectors to reconsider him for the ODI squad.

At 31, Livingstone is one of the more experienced players in a rejuvenated England team, second only to Adil Rashid. Embracing his senior role, he is committed to guiding the younger players through this transitional phase for England’s white-ball cricket. “It feels strange, but I do feel quite old in this team,” he joked. “I’ve got to help the younger guys and take some of the pressure off them.”