NZ vs ENG | Huge honour to be selected as vice-captain, voices Sam Billings
English gloveman Sam Billings has expressed immense joy after he was bestowed with the “honour” of being the deputy of Eoin Morgan in the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand. The 28-year-old sees this opportunity to learn from his captain and to be “recognised as a developing leader”.
Billings had a great start to the year 2019 with producing his highest individual score in international cricket - 87 in a T20I against West Indies. However, a severe injury in March led to him being ruled out of the World Cup that was played in his home country. But now the keeper-batsman is back in the team and will be the vice-captain of England in the away T20I series against New Zealand.
"It's great to get some recognition and it's a huge honour. It's a great opportunity to be recognised as a developing leader. And there's an element of personal development about it, too,” Billings was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
Earlier in March, Billings had suffered a dislocated shoulder and ended up missing five months of cricket but now being declared as the vice-captain for England, it has boosted the player’s confidence. He realizes there’s much to learn from Morgan in the process. The fact that he’s in the side not as a keeper but as a batsman is thrilling for the player.
"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. I'm looking forward to learning form him and implanting what I've done at Kent.
"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," Billings added.
Being five months away from the sport has helped Billings gain perspective and now with a clear mind, he’s ready to focus on making to the T20 World Cup squad.
“For me, it's about enjoying it and it's good to be back playing. The injury has given me some perspective. I just have to make the most out of every opportunity. For me, as a player, my focus is on being in that T20 World Cup squad."
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