Learnt about England's reputation in white-ball cricket during the IPL: Sam Billings

Delhi Daredevils and England batsman Sam Billings has returned to his country from the Indian Premier League with a lot of confidence after featuring in a six games for the franchise this season. England has been a side to beat in limited-overs cricket since the changed approach the team has revived and have been a tough opponent at home and away. This has given the team favourites status going into the Champions Trophy 2017.

Billings, who also has immense faith in the team, has gone on to say that rivals countries are “petrified” of England ahead of next month’s Champions Trophy at home. He said his association with cricketers from other nations during the PL made him respect his country’s limited-overs prowess even more.

“The best thing about the IPL is you share a dressing room with these guys and previously in this country we haven’t made one-day cricket a priority as such, but people are petrified of our side now,” Billings told British media. “It was very interesting to hear what other internationals think of our side. There is a buzz around the reputation of the England team in white-ball cricket… it’s amazing to think about that transition from two years ago,” he added.

Other England players playing the IPL are Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes. All 3 are still playing for their respective IPL franchises – Rising Pune Supergiant, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Backing the move by the players to continue playing the IPL, captain Eoin Morgan said, ”I think it’s the right decision, part of our development as a side, to get as many players as possible playing in the biggest and best tournaments in the world, albeit T20,”

He further added that a lot of England players played in the Big Bash League too this year, and eight players featured in the IPL.

“The development of 50-over cricket has got that much closer to the T20 format. This year we’ve had more players at the Big Bash (seven) and eight players at the IPL, which shows a lot of strength,” Morgan said.