Battling Liam living in hope

LIAM LIVINGSTONE admitted England are yet to get to grips with the fluctuating conditions in Pakistan but he is still hopeful about their Champions Trophy prospects.

- by DAVID CHARLESWORTH

England recorded the highest total in tournament history on Saturday but it was overtaken hours later by Australia, who recovered from 136-4 to chase 352 following Josh Inglis' majestic 120 not out as they won by five wickets in Lahore.

Ahead of crunch ties against Afghanistan at the same venue on Wednesday and South Africa next Saturday, Livingstone is concerned about batting first again, arguing that getting 30 runs over par is a bare minimum.

"Maybe even more," he said after England's first ODI in Pakistan since December 2005.