BARROW batting ace Liam Livingstone celebrated a maiden international half-century as England Lions wrapped up the Tri-Series with victory over Pakistan A.

Lancashire’s Livingstone scored 64 from 60 balls as the Lions completed a 56-run win at Canterbury.

He came to the crease with England struggling on 49 for 4, but put on 135 for the fifth wicket in 20 overs alongside Sam Billings, who top-scored with 175.

The Lions went on to post a target of 324 for 8, before bowling out Pakistan for 268 and completing a series triumph, having beaten Sri Lanka A earlier in the week.

Livingstone, who is having a great breakthrough year after making his first-class debut for Lancashire, was pleased to play his part in the success.

The 22-year-old Ernest Pass product, who hit five fours and two sixes in his knock, said: “It was a different role, but I enjoyed it.

“It was a bit of a challenge because it was doing a bit early on, but it was nice to put a partnership on with Sam, watching from the other end how he struck the ball, and nice to put the pressure back on the bowlers really, to get us into a decent position to get a target to bowl to.

“That’s the way we want to play our cricket and that’s the way I want to play my cricket, positive – it’s kind of easy for me because it’s my natural game. It’s why I’ve got to where I am.”

Livingstone did not get a bat when the Lions defeated Pakistan in the opening match of the series and scored just 11 against Sri Lanka, coming in late on as England looked to pile on runs. He was finally given the chance of compiling a big innings in Kent and was happy with the way it went.

He added: “You do want the chance to prove what you can do, but the team were doing well with some unbelievable performances – it’s been quite good to watch from the side.

“The way the boys go about it, the way different people play – I’m just enjoying being in this environment, and just trying to learn along the way.

“I’ve really enjoyed it – playing with the boys from different counties, it’s not what you’re used to, but it’s a great environment to learn and to watch other people at the same stage of their career. All it can do is be a positive thing for me so yeah, I’ve loved it.”

Billings was pleased to see Livingstone take his chance when given it, and said: “I’ve seen a lot of him because we spent six months together in Adelaide at the Darren Lehman Academy.

“He’s a great bloke and a serious talent for a guy who hits the ball as hard as anyone, it was great to bat with him, and he showed what he could do with his clean striking.”

Livingstone – who did not bat against the same opposition on Monday – was joined by Lancashire team-mate Saqib Mahmood, who was making his Lions debut after missing out earlier in the series.

Both had travelled to Kent from Durham, where they played in a Twenty20 match for Lancashire, and Livingstone added: “Saqqy’s been waiting for his chance. “He bowled really well Friday night at Durham, I just said to him do exactly the same thing today, and he came back really well. That was nice to see considering he’s a young lad making his debut.

“We left Northampton on Friday lunchtime to play the Twenty20 that night. We stayed over, then left Durham at 9am to get to Canterbury for a meeting and light training session.

“I am slightly weary and looking forward to getting back to the hotel. But we’ve won again, so I’m not complaining.”