Billings’ safe hands help defeat Aussies

Kent wicketkeeper Sam Billings is excited ahead of the one-day series against Australia. Billings, who played in England’s NatWest International T20 win against the Aussies on Bank Holiday Monday, is also in the squad for the five-match Royal London ODI series that starts today (Thursday) in Southampton. Billings, who made his international debut in England’s Royal London One-Day Series victory over New Zealand in June, said: “It’s been a brilliant few weeks for English cricket against the Aussies. I’m excited to try and keep that momentum going. “As a squad, we had a good series against New Zealand and are looking to carry on that brand of cricket which engaged the whole country. “It’s my second series, so to be named again is a great honour. Any opportunity you get to represent your country is fantastic. Australia are one of the best sides in world cricket and we won’t be taking them lightly.” Billings is not expected to keep wicket in any of the matches for England with Lancashire’s Jos Buttler due to take the gloves. In Monday’s T20 clash, Billings came in late in the England innings and struggled to get the ball away, managing just two from seven deliveries, before being run out as the hosts chased late runs, eventually setting a score of 182-5. Moeen Ali hit 72 not out and Eoin Morgan made 74. In reply, Australia were up with the rate needed until captain Steve Smith was caught by Billings off the bowling of David Willey for 90 and the visitors finished five runs short.