Sam Billings scored his first ODI century for England and almost won them the first game against Australia in Manchester on Friday (September 11). However, he is still not sure if that will be enough for him to keep his place in the England ODI set up once Ben Stokes return.
In the pre-match presser ahead of the second game, Billings opened up on his future with the England ODI team. He spoke on a variety of issues ranging from his for, injuries and much more.
“It is probably one of the hardest teams to get into in world sport at the moment. Ben Stokes isn’t here and I don’t think, however many runs I get, that I’ll keep that spot” he was quoted as saying told Sky Sports.
“It’s pretty mixed feelings. It would have been nice to get the lads across the line, especially against Australia. I think I’ve kind of threatened to get a score of substance for quite a while and it’s just nice to kick on and get a big score and stake a claim”, Billings said on his feelings after scoring his maiden ODI ton.
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It was his 113-run stand with Jonny Bairstow (84) which helped England fightback after being 57-4 chasing 295.
Billings Sets Sights on T20 World Cup
With limited opportunities in the ODI team, Billings said that he is focusing more on T20I cricket with three world cups to be played in the next three years.
“That’s all I can do and, especially building towards the T20 stuff, there is a slot in that late middle-order, so hopefully it keeps pushing my case in that format as well. “Three more World Cups are coming up and the lads are very keen to add to the one last year and I really want to be a part of it” said the England middle-order batsman.
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Having made his ODI debut in 2015, Billings has played 19 ODIs and 30 T20Is for England. He gets another opportunity to make a mark on the selectors in the second ODI against England on Sunday (September 13).
