Sam Billings Terms England White-Ball Set-Up As The 'Hardest' To Get Into At The Moment

Talented Wicketkeeper-batsman, Sam Billings, has hailed the current England set-up as the hardest sporting teams to get into’, adding that the 50-over world champions have a phenomenal depth in both the batting and bowling department.

Billings, who has scored consistently in whatever opportunities that he has got this year, made the observation after he smashed a 43-ball half-century in the opening intra-squad game ahead of the three-match T20I series against South Africa.

“This is one of the hardest sports teams to get into in the world at the moment. The depth we’ve got – batting and bowling – is phenomenal.” Sam Billings told the Press Association.

“As an individual, you just need to take the opportunities when you get them. It’s a seriously good side to get into. You’ve got to keep moving forward as individuals and as a team, to get better and better.” he added.

Sam Billings looking forward to emulating his exploits of the home summer

Sam Billings had a phenomenal 2020 English summer where he racked up 132 runs in three ODIs at an average of 132 against Ireland before he proceeded to smash his maiden hundred in the 50-over format against the visiting Australians. But, in a side that boasts of talents like Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler, Billings realizes he’s got to perform consistently in order to keep moving forward, something he intends to do this winter.

”I did that in the summer and I’m looking forward to doing it again in the winter. That’s all you can do really. Anyone who rests on their laurels, there’s someone behind them wanting that position. That’s where the intensity comes from. Internal competition is fantastic for any team and squad.”

Sam Billings has accumulated 586 ODI runs in 21 games at an average of 36 and a strike-rate of 93 but his T20 average of 17 leaves a lot to be desired. And, the swashbuckling batsman will be hoping to improve on that if he gets an opportunity in the three-match T20I series, which starts at Newlands from November 27.

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