Sound of silence can spurtaylor on to title defence
Scotland’s Josh Taylor
Sam Billings hopes his maiden international century can be his ticket to tournament cricket with England after injury cost him a chance to be part of last year’s World Cup triumph.
Billings took centre stage in a losing c a u se on Frid a y as Australia established a 1- 0 lead in the Royal London one- day series, scoring a fine 118 against a highclass attack to end a fiveyear wait.
That he has been around that long and only earned 19 caps, as well as 30 in Twenty20s, shows just how hard it has been to find a space in Eoin Morgan’s ( inset) all- conquering side in recent times.
Yet he might well have snuck into the squad which became world champions in 2019, challenging for a role that eventually went to James Vince, had he not dislocated a shoulder at the start of the season.
Josh Taylor insists defending his WBA and IBF titles behind closed doors will make no difference to him, because he is used to sparring in silence.
The Scot returns to the ring against unbeaten Thai fighter Apinun Khongsong on September 26 at the BT Sport studios in London.
The setting will be a far cry from the raucous atmosphere at the O2 Arena when Taylor overcame Regis Prograis in a pulsating points win last October.
With little to be gained from looking back on missed chances, the 29- year- old is instead hoping he can still get his chance on the biggest stage – with two T20 World Cups and a defence of the 50- over crown all coming up between now and 2023.
“The injury last year was easily the toughest of my career – missing out potentially on the World Cup squad and that whole experience. That was really tough to go through,” he said ahead of today’s must- win second ODI.
“If I hadn’t been injured I would have backed myself against anyone to be in that squad, maybe as the spare batsman. Those things were out of my control, but to see how the side has developed over the past five years – which I’ve been a part of – has been phenomenal.
“There’s three more World Cups coming up, the lads are very keen to add to that one last year and I really
Victory will leave the 29-year-old free to face WBC and WBO title holder Jose Ramirez for the chance to become the undisputed champion at super-lightweight.
And the Tartan Tornado has vowed that he will not be put off by having no fans at his clash with Khongsong.
Taylor said: “The way I spar and train anyway, I want to be part of it. I think it’s a huge incentive to the guys coming in to really put your marker down.”
Billings has certainly done that, facing down some of the best b ow l e r s on the pl a n et and peppering his hundred with 14 boundaries and two sixes as he turned a desperate chase into a viable one.
The manner in which he compiled his innings, holding his nerve from a sticky start that saw him make just 11 from his first 32 deliveries, was a particularly satisfying aspect. As a younger man, Billings might have given his wicket away under that kind of pressure.
“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,” he said. “You never know when the opportunities arise. In the past, when they have, I’ve put too much pressure on myself and for me, that was the difference yesterday.”
If he can perform to the same high standards over the next two matches Billings has half a chance of shaking up the pecking order, but even he does not expect to usurp the man whose place he currently holds. kind of emulate that kind of atmosphere it’s going to be.
“I train without music and I train without people talking in the gym, when I’m sparring anyway.
“I’m replicating how it’s going to be. I don’t think it will be too alien, it will be like a glorified sparring session with the cameras there and with my belts and record on the line.
“So I’ll be up for it no matter what. He’s a massive underdog and unknown so he’ll be fired up.”
“Ben Stokes isn’t here and I don’t think, however many runs I get, that I’ll keep that spot,” said Billings.
“Form and injury – as I found out the hard way last year – can happen. As long as you are putting yourself in the right position to be the next cab off the rank, that’s all you can do.”
Having kicked off the threematch series with a dominant win, Australia have the chance to take an unassailable lead over the world champions.
After losing 5- 0 and 4- 1 in their last two attempts against their rivals, that would represent a considerable breakthrough for their 50-over cricket.
“Our one- day team has been under a little bit of pressure of late, so it was really nice to respond with a great win,” said Aussie allrounder Mitchell Marsh, who made an important 73 to help his side to a winning total of 294.
“We know we are only one away now from a series win so that’s a big carrot for us.”
Strike bowler Mitchell Starc suffered some soreness in his upper leg after slipping in the outfield in the previous match and a late decision will be taken on his fitness.
■ Lee Mcgregor will attempt to add the European belt to his collection after Karim Guerfi was confirmed as his next opponent.
The bout is set to take place in November but details of the date and location are yet to be announced.
British and Commonwealth bantamweight champion Mcgregor returned to the ring with an impressive fifth round knockout of Ryan
Walker last month.
And the Edinburgh-born fighter is relishing the chance to get his hands on yet another title in only his 10th professional outing.
Mcgregor, 23, said: “I’m so excited, and anyone who knows me knows I don’t back down from a hard challenge.
“I know Guerfi is a dangerous fighter and I’m expecting a very exciting and fan friendly fight.
“I will be 100% ready for whatever he brings.”