Can get big scores and be a match winner for England: Sam Billings

Sam Billings is currently playing for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. In 5 games that he has played so far, Billings has scored 138 runs at an average of almost 28. His strike rate of 135.29 is also impressive. He has been made to sit out in 2 games due to the combination of the side.

The 25-year-old received the news of his selection in the England squad for the ICC Champions Trophy while in India. He said that his ability to keep wickets will only add to the value that he could bring to the team. Billings, though, will soon have to leave the IPL midway to participate in the 2-match ODI series against Ireland on May 5 and May 7.

Billings said that he can adapt to any batting position between one to seven. “I want to give the selectors some headaches. I have proven that I can put in match-winning performances and get big scores,” he was quoted as saying by ecb.co.uk.

“I think I can offer different options because of my flexibility in being able to bat between one and seven as well as keep wicket, so I think I have something to offer the team,” he added.

England has been in good ODI form in the recent past. Being the host of the ICC Champions Trophy gives them the slight edge going into the tournament.

“Our aim is to win the Champions Trophy and we will go into the tournament with nothing to fear because of the ability in our whole squad. We have amazing quality throughout the squad and everyone can come in and do a really good job” said the right-handed batsman.

They are also scheduled to play South Africa in a 3-match ODI series at home just before the start of the Champions Trophy. Billings is also a part of the 15-man team to take on the Proteas. Getting to play 5 ODIs just before the mega tournament will keep the English in good stead.

Billings was aware of the pressures of playing a big tournament in front of the home crowd. He stressed on taking each game at a time rather than planning too much.

“There is always going to be pressure, especially in a home tournament, but should be using that to our advantage,” he said.

“We know how good we are and how good we can be. We have the attitude to improve and we go into every game believing we can win. It’s a cliche, but we will take it one game at a time. If you look too far ahead, that’s when you run into problems, but we know the end goal.

“We have a great team and a great group of players who are mates and enjoy each other’s company, so we will all be really looking forward to it,” he added.

England will kick-start their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on June 1 at the Oval. They will play their next two group games at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff and Edgbaston, Birmingham against New Zealand and Australia on June 6 and June 10 respectively.