England vs Australia: Liam Livingstone smashes hosts to victory in second T20

Livingstone, who has moved up to batting position four in this series, has taken his chance in the first two matches.

He was the best batsman for the England national team in Southampton, but failed to lead his team to the target.

This time, the 31-year-old made no such mistake and masterminded a brilliant T20 innings. Alongside his devastating shots, he also showed composure and ensured that the hosts never fell too far behind in their comeback.

He arrived at the crease after Sean Abbott had put Australia 34-2 ahead in a fine two-wicket over.

Phil Salt was still there after getting England's innings going with a trio of sixes, but when he fell for a brisk 39, the hosts' long deficit came into view and the need for a partnership was clear.

Livingstone and Bethell rose to the challenge, the former scoring four runs, then six against Cameron Green, before sending Marcus Stoinis into the stands two balls in a row to take him to 50 in 27 balls.

On the other hand, 20-year-old Bethell overcame a somewhat hesitant start by hitting left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly for sixes and then grounding Zampa.

It may have only been a 24-ball innings, but Bethell's performance will be awe-inspiring – 44 is the highest score by an English batsman aged 20 or younger in T20s.

Livingstone has often been limited to cameos in recent years, batting further down the batting order.

But this was a stark reminder of what he is capable of as he ensured there was something at stake in the third T20 in Manchester.