Birmingham Phoenix have confirmed that batting all-rounder Liam Livingstone will take over as captain of the men’s team, replacing Moeen Ali who has joined up with the England Test squad.

Livingstone (28) is currently fifth in batting charts for most runs in The Hundred, with 160 scored in six games, and he takes over the leadership role with Birmingham Phoenix currently top of the table with two group games to go in the tournament.

“Liam is an outstanding cricketer and is a senior player amongst the squad who has recently achieved success with England and he has played in several of the world’s leading short-form tournaments,” said Birmingham Phoenix men’s head coach Dan Vettori.

“He’s produced some excellent performances in The Hundred and has been hugely influential in our four wins to date, so we think that he will make an excellent captain to stand in for Moeen.

Dan Vettori

“Moeen has made a tremendous impact in the tournament to date. Whilst we’re disappointed to lose him, he’s a huge asset to England in this upcoming Test match at Lord’s and we wish him every success. We look forward to welcoming him back into the Birmingham Phoenix squad soon.”

Birmingham Phoenix take on Trent Rockets at Trent Bridge on Friday 13 August and Northern Superchargers on Tuesday 17 August at Headingley in their final two match days of The Hundred group stages.

Liam Livingstone said: “Everyone in the Birmingham Phoenix squad is loving this experience of playing in The Hundred and I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity to take over the team captaincy whilst Moeen is away with England.

“They’re big boots to fill but I’m relishing this opportunity to lead us in these two remaining group games, which can hopefully take us forward to the knockout stages.”

Keep up to date with all tournament info at TheHundred.com.