The Ashes: England’s Sam Billings says he is ‘100 per cent’ ready to make unexpected Test debut

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“I’ve been playing and scoring runs. I’m 100 percent ready if necessary”; Goalkeeper Sam Billings is set to make his test debut if he’s selected in Hobart after a “whirlwind” days that saw him called up to the team just 90 minutes before boarding a flight home.

Sam Billings could be in line to make his Test debut in the fifth Test of Ashes

Sam Billings is set for an unexpected test debut at next week’s Ashes finale after a so-called “whirlpool” that saw him trade a flight back to England for a 500-mile road trip.

Billings has been in Australia enjoying a starring role with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, but was less than two hours away from hopping on a plane home when he was asked to join the test team.

With wicketkeeper Jos Buttler ruled out for next week’s series finale in Hobart due to a broken finger and Jonny Bairstow also with a thumb injury, Billings looks ready to grab the gloves and head straight off the Twenty20 circuit. to the test arena.

Since the flights were deemed too risky given the current expansion of Covid-19 Down Under, he first had to complete a 12-hour journey from the Gold Coast, followed by a strict quarantine and testing process at the Sydney base in England.

That meant he was following the exciting conclusion of the fourth draw of the England test on his hotel television, knowing that he might soon join the fray.

“It’s been a bit like a roller coaster. I was probably 90 minutes to two hours away from getting on that plane back to the UK. It all happened pretty fast,” he said.

“I went to the airport, got the rental car and got down to business, basically. It was a bit of a whirlwind. For the first 24 hours I hadn’t heard or seen anyone, I’m sure I’ll find out later “. this week if I’m playing.

“I am looking forward to doing it. Like any side I participate in, I will try to make a positive impact on and off the field, adding to whatever environment I am placed in. We will have to wait and see if that trial limit does come along. “.

Ollie Pope’s solid performance as a substitute goalkeeper at SCG (he took four catches after taking over on short notice) means Billings is not guaranteed a game on Thursday, but if he gets the go-ahead, the Kent player will not be will discourage. .

He has played more short-form cricket in recent years, handling just four outings for Kent at last year’s LV = Insurance County Championship, but at the age of 30 he has more than a decade of first-class experience under his belt.

Add in 58 limited overs internationals and his recent work on Australian pitches at the BBL and you feel capable of a smooth transition to the five-day game.

“Regardless of the format, regardless of the circumstances, with experience and maturity you can have an idea of ​​where your game is,” he said.

“I’ve been playing and scoring runs. I’m 100 percent ready if need be. It really doesn’t matter what format it is, it’s more about pace, confidence and mindset. As a player, you look at where your opportunities may be to advance your career .. .for me it has always been with the cue ball side until now.

“But this has been on the radar, it’s something I really wanted to do.”

Despite that, Billings had to reflect on his position when he was invited to join as injury cover.

He was already on the Twenty20 squad that will play a three-game series against the West Indies later this month and, with Covid restrictions around travel, he was eager not to sacrifice that opportunity for a 12th-man role in Tasmania. .

“I had a few moments alone in my hotel room and I considered it, of course. I’ve done too much with the drinks,” he said.

“I just need to play cricket. I was not going to compromise that opportunity in the West Indies, but of course I will always help and offer whatever I can to the England team.”

“I think I got the assurance that it would also make it to the West Indies, whether I had the chance or not.”

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