Since the start of the India vs England series, ‘Bazball’ has become the talk of the town and with their shock victory in the 1st Test in Hyderabad, England had well and truly flummoxed India. But India came back well to level the series 1-1 with a win at Vizag. With three more Tests to go, all eyes are on how India will tackle England’s new-found aggressive approach under coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes. England player Sam Billings, who is currently leading Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, gave a bit of insight on Bazball and how the team has embraced this approach in an exclusive chat with News18 CricketNext.
“I’ve kind of been in that environment a couple of times and it’s amazing,” said Billing, adding, “What a great Test series so far – one all. India are as good as anyone in their own home conditions, so it’s going to be a challenge whenever you play against them. I’m really excited for the third Test, and it’s very fascinating.”
Billings further stated that if England need to win the series, they would have to win the Rajkot Test, or the momentum will shift to the Indian side.
“Anything I say will be unpopular and obviously, I will have to back England, but I think it’s going to be tough. I think a few of the injuries that India have had are going to play an impact on the series. So, I think obviously England need to win this next Test to win the series.”
While Rajkot remains England’s focus, Billings has a lot on his plate as he prepares to lead his team Dubai Capitals in Qualifier 2 of the ongoing ILT20 season. After a tumultuous season, the Capitals have now finally stepped up in the final stages.
Billings has juggled multiple roles in the tournament – specifically as a wicketkeeper and a captain. However, the 32-year-old feels that keeping wickets helps him to captain the side better.
“I feel, certainly when I’m captaining being a wicketkeeper, I can see what the conditions are and what is happening with the wickets. I feel like it’s the best time for me to be able to captain,” said Billings.
He got the leadership role mid-season when David Warner left the league owing to national duty – the white ball series against West Indies. When Warner left, the Capitals were in a tricky situation of losing their spot in the top four, but Billings shouldered the team’s responsibilities with a crucial win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the Eliminator.
When asked about the shift in captaincy, Billings said, “I think it’s overplayed. I think as a team and as a captain, you’re only as good as how the team plays. David is phenomenal, and he comes back into the side now. I have always learned so much from him on and off the field. He is someone whom l have always looked up to. Excited to have him back and what an addition to any team.”
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