Sam Billings keen to take over as England's white-ball captain after Jos Buttler steps down
Jos Buttler relinquished the captaincy after England failed to advance further in Champions Trophy 2025.
The England men's cricket team has been going through a rough patch of late. Following a tough time to win series and tournaments following the T20 World Cup win in 2022, captain Jos Buttler decided to finally hang his boots as captain from the white-ball formats, once England were thrown out of the Champions Trophy 2025 from the group stage itself.
As a result, the Three Lions are now looking for a new leader in both ODIs and T20Is, as Harry Brook is being touted as the frontrunner to take over the position from Buttler. However, wicketkeeper Sam Billings has shown keen interest to join back in the English dressing room and lead the side in the shorter formats, taking over the position from Buttler.
“I’d be honoured, you would obviously jump at an opportunity like that. I feel like I can add value. I’ve not had a conversation with anyone, but from a leadership point of view I’ve loved the time over the past few years where I’ve had some really good success,” Sam Billings said via BBC Sport.
Billings eyes national comeback
The stumper-batter feels that the amount of potential in the domestic players, added with a minute changes, and the English side will be ready to flourish, getting back on track once again. Notably, Billings last played an international game in November 2022 when England played Down Under for three ODIs right after their T20 World Cup triumph. So, a captaincy stint with the English side would also mean a national comeback for the 33-year-old.
“The talent in domestic cricket in this country is always there, certainly in white-ball cricket. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. It will just be a tweak here or there, picking a really nice, balanced side," he said.
“It should provide great opportunity for all of us in England. If you’re going to stick your hand up and perform well, there are opportunities up for grabs, or there should be, in those formats. As a player, I’m looking at that thinking ‘why not, let’s try to get back in that side',” he added further.
Also Check: 3 Players Who Can Replace Jos Buttler in England's ODI and T20I Squads
No better captain than Ben Stokes, but his priority is the Ashes
The Kent-born further believes that England haven't seen a better guy in terms of captaincy in recent times than Ben Stokes. However, due to the Test captain prioritizing the red-ball format, especially with the Ashes impending, Billings feels ace batter Brook is another option that they may look after in other kits.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Ben Stokes. There’s no better man in terms of captaincy and as an all-round cricketer. But his priority is the Ashes and the five-Test series against India. He is probably in the position where he can answer where his body can take him," he conveyed.
"Harry Brook is another one who fits similar criteria. You’ve got to balance it out. Playing all formats for England has never been tougher,” Billings concluded.
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