CRICKET: Livingstone steps down as Lancashire Captain

Liam Livingstone has decided to step down as Captain of Lancashire Cricket after a single season.

Livingstone moves aside so he can focus on his own performances in 2019.

The 25 year-old had a tough run last season – managing 336 first-class runs at an average of just 24, with a high score of 48 not out.

Despite his lack of fortune in first-class cricket, Livingstone guided Lancashire to Finals Day of the Vitality Blast at Edgbaston. He struck his maiden T20 century in the victory over Derbyshire off only 49 balls.

Livingstone took time to reflect on his time as captain and explained his reasons for stepping down. He said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the Red Rose in 2018 and my decision to stand down is something that I’ve thought long and hard about.

“A big part of me wanted to continue leading the side, but I have to put the team’s interests first and the best way for me to help Lancashire is to ensure that I’m performing consistently to the best of my abilities in all formats of the game.

“I hope that the opportunity to captain Lancashire will come again once I’ve been able to perform at the highest level on a consistent basis. As a senior player, I will support the team in all ways possible and I’m determined to put in some more match winning performances for Lancashire.”

Lancashire Head Coach Glen Chapple backed the decision and said: “We fully support his decision to stand down as captain of the Club. It’s a very brave and selfless one for him to make and I believe having him solely focused on scoring runs for Lancashire will be for the good of the team.

“Being a 24 year-old captain at a big club like Lancashire is not easy and he showed a huge amount of character in leading the side last year, despite the disappointment of the injury he picked up half way through the season and his fluctuating form.

“Liam’s qualities as a captain are not in question and we both agree that Liam needs to be performing at his best for the team to be successful in 2019. We would welcome Liam back as captain of the Club should the opportunity present itself at any time in the future.”

Livingstone’s replacement as Captain will be announced in due course.