Barrow’s Liam Livingstone will be playing in next year’s Indian Premier League after being bought by Rajasthan Royals in today’s auction.

The Lancashire batsman, who can also supply an extra spin-bowling option when required, will be taking part in the prestigious T20 competition for the first time, having already been signed up for the Pakistan Super League with Karachi Kings earlier in 2019.

The 25-year-old was signed up by the Royals for a fee that is believed to be around £56,000. Livingstone will be one of three Englishmen in the Royals' squad, in Cumbria's Ben Stokes, who has been retained alongside Lancashire club mate Jos Buttler, while Sussex's Jofra Archer is also there.

He will also be able to count among his teammates former Australia captain Steve Smith, India batsman Anjika Rahane and New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi.

After a breakthrough year in international cricket, Sam Curran became the most expensive overseas signing of the auction, when he was bought for over £788,000 by Kings XI Punjab.

Another England international who will be making his first appearance in the IPL is wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, who has joined Sunrisers Hyderabad for around £245,000.

Bowler Harry Gurney is heading to Kolkata Knight Riders, as is all-rounder Joe Denly.