In what will be remembered as one of the most explosive finishes in One Day International (ODI) cricket, Liam Livingstone of England smashed Mitchell Starc for an unprecedented 28 runs in the final over during the 4th ODI at Lord’s on September 27, 2024. This monumental over not only set a new record for the most expensive over bowled by an Australian in ODIs but also played a pivotal role in England’s commanding victory, squaring the series at 2-2.
The match, reduced to 39 overs per side due to rain, saw England posting a formidable 312/5, thanks in large part to Livingstone’s fireworks. His unbeaten 62 off just 27 deliveries was not just about the runs but the manner in which they were scored. Livingstone’s assault on Starc included four massive sixes, with the final over reading like a dream for any batsman: 6, 0, 6, 6, 6, 4. This sequence of scoring not only broke Starc but also set a new record for the most runs conceded in an over by any Australian bowler in men’s ODIs.
🚨STARC CONCEDES THE MOST EXPENSIVE OVER IN ODI CRICKET BY AN AUSTRALIAN. 🚨
– Livingstone smashed 28 runs…!!! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/dWtk5SXhyF
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 27, 2024
The Over That Changed the Game
Mitchell Starc, known for his lethal pace and often being the game-changer with the ball, found himself at the receiving end of cricketing brutality. Livingstone’s approach was fearless, showcasing the kind of power hitting that has become synonymous with modern cricket. Each six was a statement, with the ball soaring into the stands, the crowd erupting with each hit, and Starc’s figures ballooning to 0/70.
This over was not just about the runs; it was about the psychological impact. It demoralized Australia, setting a tone that England was not just here to play but to dominate. The record-breaking over was the crescendo of England’s innings, providing them with a total that seemed out of reach for Australia.
England’s Dominance and Series Leveling
Following Livingstone’s heroics, England’s bowlers, led by Matthew Potts and Jofra Archer, dismantled Australia’s batting lineup. The chase was never on, with Australia bowled out for just 126, handing England a victory by 186 runs. This win was not just about the numbers but the style in which England played, combining aggressive batting with clinical bowling.
Impact Beyond the Scoreline
Livingstone’s over will be etched in cricket history for several reasons:
Record Breaking: It set a new benchmark for the most expensive over in ODI cricket by an Australian bowler, surpassing previous records held by the likes of Xavier Doherty and Adam Zampa.
Momentum Shift: This over not only boosted England’s total but also shifted the momentum decisively in their favor, impacting the morale of both teams.
Fan Frenzy: The moment went viral across social platforms, with fans and analysts alike marveling at the sheer audacity of Livingstone’s hitting. X posts (tweets) flooded with awe and disbelief, turning this over into a cultural cricketing moment.
A Lesson in Power Hitting: For budding cricketers, Livingstone’s over serves as a masterclass in how to dominate bowlers in the death overs, emphasizing the importance of timing, power, and mental fortitude.
Liam Livingstone’s assault on Mitchell Starc at Lord’s will be remembered not just for the records it broke but for the spirit it encapsulated – of fearless cricket, of turning the game on its head with sheer power and audacity. This match, and particularly that over, will be a reference point for years to come, illustrating the raw, unbridled energy that cricket can offer. England’s victory was sweet, but Livingstone’s over was the stuff of legends.
