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Feel I Can Add Value As England Captain: Sam Billings
Follow UsThe England wicketkeeper-batter last played for his country since 2022
England are on the lookout for their next white-ball captain following Jos Buttler's resignation. While Ben Stokes is tipped to be their next One-Day International (ODI) captain, Harry Brook is expected to take over the reins as their T20 International (T20I) captain.
However, Sam Billings, who has not played for England since 2022, has also put his hand up and feels he could add value as skipper. He led Oval Invincibles to the title in The Hundred and, most recently, Dubai Capitals (DC) to their maiden International League T20 (ILT20) title.
“I’d be honoured. You would obviously jump at an opportunity like that. I feel like I can add value,” Billings told BBC Sport.
“I’ve not had a conversation with anyone, but from a leadership point of view I’ve loved the time over the past few years where I’ve had some really good success.”
Billings also reckons there is plenty of talent in the domestic circuit, especially in white-ball cricket. “The talent in domestic cricket in this country is always there, certainly in white-ball cricket,” said Billings.
“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. It will just be a tweak here or there, picking a really nice, balanced side.
“It should provide great opportunity for all of us in England. If you’re going to stick your hand up and perform well, there are opportunities up for grabs, or there should be, in those formats. As a player, I’m looking at that thinking ‘why not, let’s try to get back in that side.'"
Speaking of Stokes, Billings said he is not sure if he would take the ODI captaincy job given that his priorities are red-ball cricket with the Ashes and the India series coming up. “I can’t speak highly enough of Ben Stokes,” Billings, who has played three Tests, 28 ODIs, and 37 T20Is, said.
“There’s no better man in terms of captaincy and as an all-round cricketer. But his priority is the Ashes and the five-Test series against India.
“He is probably in the position where he can answer where his body can take him. Harry Brook is another one who fits similar criteria. You’ve got to balance it out. Playing all formats for England has never been tougher.”