Chris Stocks finds that the Kent skipper, while plotting a way back into the England set-up for the World Cup, is equally determined to put his county back at the top of the game
It’s unlikely to go down well withKent members once again, butSam Billings is hoping another spell in the Indian PremierLeague this year will help propel him back into England’s one-day squad in time for the World Cup.
England handed the wicketkeeper/ batsman a debut in the match against New Zealand at Edgbaston in June 2015 that started their one-day rebirth.
However, after being given only sporadic chances since, Billings was dropped this winter and found himself captaining England Lions in their series against India where he responded with an unbeaten century in a losing cause in Trivandrum on Wednesday.
Billings played just two ODIs last summer, including the historic defeat against Scotland in Edinburgh, and it is almost two years since his last halfcentury in the format.
Although likely to be named in England’s provisional 30-man World Cup squad in April, it appears a long shot at this stage he will make the cut when the final 15 is confirmed the following month.
However, the 27-year-old is hopeful a standout IPL campaign will parachute him back into international contention in time for a World Cup on home soil.
Jos Buttler’s form for Rajasthan Royals earned him a surprise Test recall last May. Billings, who was retained by Chennai Super Kings, is hoping for something similar.
“I’ve got a bit of a point to prove and it’s a huge opportunity,” he said. “Jos played incredibly well last year in the IPL and there’s no reason if I get an opportunity for Chennai I can’t do similar things.
Denne historien er fra January 25,2019-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
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Denne historien er fra January 25,2019-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
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Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
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FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
