The Ashes: Englishman Sam Billings says he is “100%” ready for unexpected debut in tests | Cricket news

Sam Billings is set for an unexpected test start in the Ashes final next week after a ‘whirlwind’ summons that saw him trade a return flight to England for a 500 mile road trip.

Billings was in Australia playing a starring role with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, but it was less than two hours of hopping on a plane home when asked to join the test team.

With wicket keeper Jos Buttler ruled out of next week’s end-of-series clash in Hobart due to a broken finger and Jonny Bairstow also bearing a thumb injury, Billings looks set to pick up the gloves and move on straight. from the Twenty20 circuit to the test arena.

With flights deemed too risky given the current Covid-19 Down Under sweep, it first had to make a 12-hour journey from the Gold Coast, followed by a strict quarantine and testing process at the base of Sydney in England.

That meant he was following the biting conclusion of England’s fourth draw on his hotel TV, knowing he might join the fray soon.

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“It has been a bit of a roller coaster. I was probably 90 minutes to two hours away from catching this plane back to the UK. It all happened quite quickly, ”he said.

“I went to the airport, took the rental car and basically fell in love. It was a bit of a whirlwind. For the first 24 hours I hadn’t heard or seen anything, I’m sure I will find out later this week if I play.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Like any team I’m going to, I’ll try to have a positive impact on and off the pitch, and add to any environment I’m placed in. We’ll have to wait and see if that test cap comes. « 

Ollie Pope’s strong performance as a backup goalie at SCG – he took four catches after being pushed into the short-term role – means Billings isn’t guaranteed a game on Thursday, but if he gets the green light, the Kent player will not be discouraged.

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Billings smashed 67 out of 35 balls against Perth Scorchers in a successful stint with Sydney Thunder

He has played more short form cricket in recent years, having managed just four outings for Kent in last year’s LV = Insurance County Championship – but at the age of 30 he has more a decade of first-class experience under its belt.

Add in 58 limited internationals and his recent work on BBL’s Australian pitches and he feels capable of a smooth transition to the five-day match.

“Whatever the format, whatever the circumstances, with experience and maturity you can get a feel for where your game is,” he said.

“I played and scored points. I am 100% ready if needed. The format doesn’t really matter, it’s more about pace, confidence and state of mind. As a player you look at where your opportunities lie. advancing your career… for me, it has always been on the white balloon side until now.

“But it got on the radar, it’s something I really wanted to do. « 

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Despite this, Billings had to think about his position when asked to join injury coverage.

He was already part of the Twenty20 squad which will play a three-game series against the West Indies later this month and, with Covid’s travel restrictions, he was eager not to sacrifice this opportunity for a 12th male role. in Tasmania.

“I spent a few moments alone in my hotel room and I weighed well, of course. I spilled the drinks too much, ”he said.

“I just need to play cricket. I was not going to compromise this opportunity in the West Indies but of course I will always help and offer everything I can to the England team.

“I think I had the assurance that I would also arrive in the West Indies, whether I have the opportunity or not. «