England's dynamic all-rounder Liam Livingstone has withdrawn from The Hundred to prioritise his international commitments, leaving Birmingham Phoenix to secure a replacement ahead of the tournament.
The 31-year-old, known for his explosive batting and handy spin, has opted out of the competition to focus on England's upcoming fixtures, including a white-ball series against Australia and the T20 World Cup later this year.
Ben Duckett Steps Up for Birmingham Phoenix
In Livingstone's absence, Birmingham Phoenix have moved quickly to sign Ben Duckett as his replacement. The left-handed batter, who has been in fine form for England in recent months, will bring his aggressive strokeplay to Edgbaston this summer.
"While we're disappointed to lose Liam, we understand his decision to focus on England duties," said a Phoenix spokesperson. "Ben is a fantastic addition who brings international experience and exciting talent to our squad."
Livingstone's Packed Schedule
Livingstone's withdrawal comes as no surprise given England's congested schedule. The Lancashire star is expected to feature prominently in both the ODI and T20 squads against Australia before heading to the Caribbean for the World Cup in June.
"Managing player workload is crucial," said England's head coach. "Liam is a key player across formats, and this decision allows him to prepare optimally for important international cricket."
Impact on The Hundred
The Hundred's organisers have acknowledged Livingstone's absence will be felt, but remain confident in the tournament's strength. "While star players like Liam add tremendous value, The Hundred has always been about showcasing both established and emerging talent," a spokesperson commented.
With Duckett's signing, Birmingham Phoenix maintain a strong batting lineup as they look to improve on last year's disappointing campaign. The tournament begins on 23 July, with Phoenix facing London Spirit in their opener.
