Liam Livingstone hopes England can be revitalised by Aussie T20 World Cup clash

After beating Afghanistan, England suffered a shock rain-affected defeat to Ireland and now must win their three remaining Super 12s fixtures to guarantee a semi-final place.

Defeat against the hosts and defending champions would almost certainly spell a group-stage elimination, but England have already beaten their Ashes rivals in a T20 series this month.

‘We know where we need to get better and we’ve got a massive challenge on Friday night,’ said 29-year-old Livingstone.

‘We’ll take confidence from the results we had against them in that series in their own conditions. If ever there was a game to bounce back in it’s against Australia at the MCG.’

Livingstone made 29 from No.5 to get England over the line against Afghanistan, but was down at No.7 in the five-run defeat to Ireland, facing just two balls before rain ended the contest.

Asked whether he would prefer to bat higher up, Livingstone said: ‘I’m certainly not going to say no. Unfortunately I didn’t get my chance to do my job (against Ireland). Hopefully, come Friday, things will be different.’

While the MCG attracted a sparse crowd on Wednesday, it is expected England’s clash with Australia will be better attended. As for whether he feeds off the crowd, Livingstone added: ‘I don’t think so. It’s another 45,000 people shouting abuse at you, so it doesn’t make too much difference.’