Billings pitches himself for highest grade game

London, June 4: England wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings says he doesn’t want to be “pigeonholed as a white-ball cricketer” and has a renewed desire to come good in the Test format, an ambition that took a backseat when he decided to play IPL early in his career.

The 28-year-old has never played a Test for England but featured in 15 ODIs and 26 T20Is before a shoulder injury robbed him of chance to be a part of his team’s historic victory in the 50-over World Cup last year.

“There’s no one else to blame apart from me really for that (white-ball typecasting),” Billings told ESPNcricinfo.

“I think there are opportunities in the Test team as well, especially as a batter and also in the wicket-keeping position. I find that really exciting. I don’t want to just be pigeon-holed as a whiteball player. I’m better than that,” he asserted.

Billings spoke about a change in mindset after competing in the IPL.

“I played four IPLs and you’re not going to turn down an opportunity like that as a young player in terms of a chance to develop especially as there was no financial gain in the first two years. For me, I saw it purely as an opportunity as I went for base price to Delhi (`30 lakh in 2016).

“Obviously four-day cricket had to take a back seat at that point in time and I just didn’t play anywhere near enough cricket. That’s where my mindset has changed a little bit,” he added.

After returning, Billings managed just 34 runs in five T20 innings against New Zealand.