Sam Billings believes that England ODI side will certainly face some challenges in the upcoming world cups in India which will take place in 2021 and 2023. But he is assured that several England players who have played in IPL including the likes of Jos Butler, Johnny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer will bank on their IPL experience when they will play the mega event in India.
Sam Billings was instrumental in the first ODI against Ireland as he smashed unbeaten 67 runs in the first ODI on Thursday.
“I think that’s definitely something that I can potentially offer compared to other players. My game against spin has benefited from all the different franchises I have experienced, particularly the IPL,” Billings, who has played for Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, was quoted as saying by Skysports.
“I have had relative success on turning pitches in Chennai and Delhi. I back my game against spin and I have to continue to work hard. In ODI format or longer format, the subcontinent is somewhere I think I can do well. The longer format is one I want to push my case in if I get the opportunity.”
He has played 16 ODIs, 26 T20s and scored 338 runs and 348 runs respectively. Since his debut in 2015, he has never been given ample opportunities to showcase his talent and the major reason behind this is the strong bench strength that current England side possess.
“It’s been very up-down (with England), I suppose, over the last five years. I played five ODIs against New Zealand straight after the last World Cup in 2015 and then 10 since then and July 2018.
In the first ODI against Ireland, Billings came out to bat at number 5 and shared an unbroken partnership of 96 runs with skipper Eoin Morgan as England achieved the target of 173 runs in 28 overs with six wickets in hand.
“I have (done well in middle order) consistently over the last five years … so it’s a role I enjoy. It’s a very tough role. You have to be very adept. You can come in three or four down very early on and steady the ship or you can come in for the last five overs nd everyone expects you to get 40 off 10 balls,” said Billings.
