England cricket team is on the look out for a new captain following Jos Buttler’s departure after Champions Trophy. While Ben Stokes has emerged as a frontrunner, another star – a forgotten one – has thrown his hat into the ring now. Sam Billings, who last represented the country in 2022, is eager to take over the reins of the team.
Billings wants to be England captain
Speaking to BBC Sport, Billings said that he would love to grab an opportunity if provided, stating that he can add value. The keeper-batter said that although he did not have a conversation with anyone yet about it, he hopes to use his experience and expertise from leading The Hundred franchise Oval Invincibles to victory in the last two seasons.
“I’d be honoured, you would obviously jump at an opportunity like that. I feel like I can add value. 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 said.
| Format | Mat | Runs | Ave | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 28 | 702 | 33.42 | 91.05 |
| T20Is | 37 | 478 | 17.07 | 129.89 |
Billings heaped praise on Stokes and said that there was no better captain and all-rounder than the southpaw. However, the keeper-batter noted that the series against Australia and the Ashes would be Stokes’ priority.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Ben Stokes. 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 added.
Buttler decided to step down as white-ball captain following series defeats to India in ODIs and T20Is & England’s group stage exit in Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, England coach McCullum is open to having different captains for T20Is and ODIs, going forward.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Ajinkya Rahane to suffer Rohit Sharma's fate? KKR's bargain-captain flops in two IPL practice matches
Top Stories
