SHAKER FOR SALT

Phil's raw recruits are crushed by Aussies

- GARY FITZGERALD

LIAM LIVINGSTONE'S valiant efforts with bat and ball were in vain as the Aussies drew first blood in their T20 battles.

The powerful all-rounder produced an excellent bowling display with three wickets and then struck a quick 37 in England's run chase in Southampton.

Sadly, he and his team-mates fell 28 runs short of the 180 needed for victory.

Australia's attack, led by the outstanding Josh Hazlewood (232) and with Sean Abbott taking 3-28, dismissed them for 151.

Having produced a stirring fightback and restricted the Aussies to 179 when they had threatened to rampage to well over 200 England needed a strong start to their run chase.