England have defeated Australia by three wickets in the second T20I of their three-match series, with all-rounder Liam Livingstone blazing 87 runs on Friday evening in Cardiff.

The home side won the toss and chose to field first, putting Matthew Short and Travis Head in to face England’s opening bowlers.

Again, the Aussie top order delivered, with Short making 28 runs from 24 balls and Head plundering 31 from just 14.

Jake Fraser-McGurk and Josh Inglis were also among the runs, making 50 from 31 and 42 from 26 respectively.

These contributions gave Australia a handy platform, so when Cameron Green and Aaron Hardie teed off in the final overs, a healthy total of 6/193 was set.

In response, Phil Salt and Will Jacks took it to the Australian bowlers.

The duo got England off to a strong start with a run rate of well over 10 runs per over initially.

However, a double strike from Sean Abbott left England reeling at 2/34 after just 3.3 overs.

That brought Livingstone to the crease, who would not leave until the penultimate over, racking up his 87 runs at a strike rate of 185 to knock off the majority of England’s target.

Jacob Bethell kept Livingstone company for most of his innings, making 44 from 24 in just his second T20I.

Despite a late wobble, with part-timer Matthew Short claiming five wickets as England lost four batsmen in the last three overs, they comfortably secured victory with six balls to spare.

Australia will be hoping captain Mitchell Marsh can overcome the illness that sidelined him for Friday night’s clash in time for the series decider, with Travis Head stepping in to captain his country for the first time.

“Good score, felt we were in the hunt and got close,” Head explained after the match.

“We were pretty close but it was a good innings.

“Didn’t get the win but that’s okay.”

Despite the loss, Australia are still favoured across cricket betting sites to win the third T20I and the series overall.

“A win tonight keeps the series alive and gives us a good incentive at Old Trafford,” said Salt, England’s captain.

“We know how good they are, you go back to your plans.”

Leading sports bookmakers has Australia at $1.66 to prevail on Sunday in Manchester, while England are underdogs at $2.20.

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