Billings’ Big Bash chance Down Under

Sam Billings’ international star continues to grow as he has been signed by the Sydney Sixers to play in the Big Bash League which gets underway this month.

The 25-year-old Kent and England man will join former Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence team-mate Doug Bollinger on the roster for the competition, which begins with a derby against Sydney Thunder on Tuesday, December 20, before games at the SCG on December 23 and 27 and January 9 and 14.

Billings has previously played for the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL and spent time with Sixers wicketkeeper Brad Haddin as a team-mate with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League and said he was looking forward to linking up with the Aussie again.

He said: “Brad helped me massively in my time with Islamabad United, both with keeping and batting and I’m looking forward to working with him again.

“I’ve got a lot of family and friends over there, my godfather lives in Sydney and three of my best mates from Loughborough University have emigrated out there, so I’m looking forward to catching up with them and seeing them. It’s a great city, one of the best in the world, so I’m just looking forward to getting over there into the warm. It’s a bit chilly over here now.”

Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd said Billings’ flexibility made him a great addition to the squad.

He said: “Sam becomes our second international signing and is a crucial addition to our ranks given the selection of Nic Maddinson and the possibility of other Australian selections.

“Recent international performances have whet our appetite that his explosive and creative style of batting will nicely suit our line-up.

“Sam can bat anywhere in the order and we like that flexibility in our players. Also his fielding is highly rated both as a keeper or outfielder.

“Good judges from England, Pakistan and the IPL have seen the potential in Sam and we welcome him to our squad.”

Sixers general manager Dom Remond said: “Sam is an extremely innovative and creative batter. He will light up the SCG and the BBL and is a great addition to our top order.”