Sam Billings Added to Test Squad for Fifth India Test

Sam Billings is in the Test squad for the fifth Test at Edgbaston. He stepped in as a Covid substitute against New Zealand at Headingly. With Ben Foakes in isolation after getting Covid, Sam Billings came into the side on day four, under the new playing conditions.

Sam Billings last played at Hobart, where his Test debut took place. His Test debut came in short notice with Jos Buttler missing out on the fifth Test. He got his second Test cap coming in as a substitute in the fourth day and contributed with a catch towards the end of New Zealand’s innings.

Sam Billings is not new to Brendan McCullum’s coaching style. He is a regular for Kolkata, where Brendan McCullum spent time as a coach over the years. With Brendan McCullum emphasizing on aggressive Cricket, Sam Billings will enjoy the style of cricket being played. He himself is an aggressive batter, with a wide range of strokes and a proactive attitude. With the gloves as well, Sam Billings is pretty handy, flexible and is a keeper who is constantly improving.

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Sam Billing’s addition is the only change to England’s squad. England are going in with fifteen players for the Final Test against India. They are continuing to play Zak Crawley, who is having a torrid time as an opener. His confidence is likely to be further dented after having caused the run-out of his partner Alex Lees in the Final innings of the Third Test against New Zealand.

James Anderson is likley to come back in the eleven after sitting out with a niggle. His return will give Engalnd a small headache as both Potts and Overton are doing well in the middle. Additionally, Sam Billings’s inclusion as well, depends on Ben Foakes’s availability. Furthermore, if Foakes manages to recover by the first Test he is likely to walk back into the eleven.