England Name Sam Billings As T20I Vice-Captain For New Zealand Tour

Sam Billings has always been one of the highly respected cricketers in England. The youngster has delivered the goods whenever he was given the opportunity. In the latest, he was given the vice-captaincy role for the upcoming series against New Zealand in New Zealand.

Billings has had an up and down season. He scored a career-best 87 against West Indies earlier in the year before dislocating his shoulder and being ruled out of England’s World Cup plans. He has been in superb form since comeback, scoring three centuries for Kent in the last two first-class matches in the county championship.

But, having missed five months of cricket, news that he has been made vice-captain for England’s T20I tour of New Zealand would have provided a pleasing boost. Speaking of the same, the flamboyant cricketer quoted that he is elated and feeling highly honoured to receive the role.

Great opportunity to be recognised – 

Further, Sam Billings went on to add saying that he had a fair bit of knowledge on captaincy, as he already led England Lions. Now, he wants to learn it from Eoin Morgan, who recently won ICC World Cup for England. He revealed that Morgan gave him a call regarding the new role.

“It’s great to get some recognition and it’s a huge honour,” Billings said from Christchurch as England acclimatised to a chilly start to their tour. “It’s a great opportunity to be recognised as a developing leader. And there’s an element of personal development about it, too.

“I captained the England Lions last winter and my county for the last two years. Eoin gave me a call a couple of weeks ago and said he’d love me to do it. I suppose he must see something in me. And also, I’m looking forward to learning from him and implanting what I’ve done at Kent.

You have to able to perform – Sam Billings

However, Sam Billings is aware of his duty in the team. He mentioned that he will be the batsman first and then a wicket-keeper before being the vice-captain of the game. He wants to enjoy the responsibility.

“But I’m in the side as a batsman first and foremost and then as a keeper. You have to be able to perform at that top-level consistently in those roles firstly. The captaincy is an added bonus and one I really enjoy. It makes you take responsibility for yourself and other guys.”

England and New Zealand are set to play five T20Is beginning November 1. The Eoin Morgan led side would love to start their new season on a top note.