Sam Billings determined to earn his place back in the Test side


image-l6lx1gc2Sam Billings will be eager to get back into the England Test setup

England wicket-keeper batter Sam Billings feels that playing the four-day game against South Africa offers him the best chance of earning a recall to the Test squad.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has appointed Billings as the captain of the England Lions for the one-off game. He will work in collaboration with Paul Collingwood, who will guide the side for the match, which takes place ahead of the first Test at Lord’s starting on 17 August.

The Kent wicketkeeper batter was playing for the Oval Invincibles before getting the Lions call-up. He captained Invincibles to a victory over Welsh Fire on Sunday.

Alongside Billings, there are a number of players in the Lions squad who will be hoping to earn a Test recall. Amongst those, some of the prominent names are Dan Lawrence, Dom Sibley, Keaton Jennings, and Ben Duckett.


Opportunity for players to push for a Test call-up: Billings

Speaking prior to the practice game against the Proteas in Canterbury, the Lions skipper said the four-day game will serve as an ideal platform for the players to push for selection in the Test side.

"I want to press my claims to try and get back in that Test squad. It’s an opportunity, of course, for individuals to pursue their ambitions. It definitely is the best way in a schedule where there’s not much red-ball cricket around the Test series, so it is the perfect opportunity to do so. So a lot of people this week have got points to prove and opportunities to kind of take," Sam Billings told the PA news agency. 

The 13-player Lions squad has gathered in Canterbury and will prepare themselves to take on the current WTC table toppers South Africa on Tuesday (August 9).


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