Ashes 2021-22: Sam Billings drives 500 miles to unite with injury hit England side

England were already not having a fine time in the ongoing Ashes and the injury crisis has further dented their chances and motivation. With Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler in doubt for the closing Ashes Test, Sam billings has got a call to join the Test squad on an immediate basis. Billings, who was in Queensland with his BBL squad, drove more than 500 miles from Gold Coast to Sydney.

While the 30-year-old was about to leave Australia in the next 30 minutes to prepare for England’s T20I series in the West Indies, he got a call to join the Test squad. While talking about the immediate call, Billings thought of it as a joke on the first instance but then proceeded to pick a rental car.

“I thought it was a joke. I was due to go to Brisbane airport to fly home, instead, I went to Gold Coast airport to pick up a rental car and I was on my way,” told Billings to Test Match Special.

I want to prove not only to myself but also to other people: Sam Billings

Both Buttler and Bairstow got injured on their hands and are in doubt for the Hobart Test. They are awaiting the results for X-rays and didn’t take the field even on the 4^th day of the Sydney Test. Talking in the same light, English assistant coach Graham Thorpe added they had the option to keep Ollie Pope behind wickets but it is more likely that Billings would become the 700^th man to represent England in whites.

“It would be a very Sam Billings thing to do to drive nine hours to run the drinks. At the age of 30, you’re no spring chicken, but you do have a really good idea of where your game is at. If needed, I’m ready to go. I’ve had to bide my time in terms of an opportunity or consistent game time. I’m really enjoying my cricket, to have the chance to play and not run the drinks – I’ve done that too much.

“I want to prove not only to myself but also to other people that I’m not just a fill-in, I am good enough to warrant a place in the side,” he added.