Barrow’s Liam Livingstone played a key role with bat and ball during Lancashire Lightning’s successful weekend in the Vitality Blast, as they defeated both Durham and Nottinghamshire.

Livingstone, who has recently returned from a rib injury, smashed his way to 70 off just 48 balls as Lancashire defeated Durham by five wickets at Chester-le-Street last Friday in what was easily the more comfortable of the two games.

The 25-year-old then claimed two wickets in an absolute thriller against Notts at Old Trafford the following night, as the Lightning successfully defended a seemingly below-par 151-6 to win by three runs.

Lancashire went into their match at Durham unbeaten in their previous five games in the competition and that rarely looked like changing as 4-30 from spinner Matthew Parkinson helped them bowl the hosts out for 139.

Livingstone’s knock, which included six fours and thee sixes ensured his side reached their target with seven deliveries to spare.

He then made three against Notts, as Lancashire were reduced to 14-3 before a spectacular 73 off 46 balls from Australia international Glenn Maxwell recovered their innings.

Despite an unbeaten 41 from Dan Christian, the away team fell just short as Parkinson shone again in taking 3-22, while Livingston dismissed Tom Moores (18) and Imad Wasim (1) in his 2-22.