'You can't rest up because there is huge competition' - Sam Billings determined to cement position in England's T20 World Cup team

The countdown for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 has begun, and all participating teams are gearing up for the gala tournament. While the official dates are yet to come, the marquee competition is slated to take place in India in October-November. Winners of the 2019 World Cup, England are the front-runners to clinch the tournament, and many eyes will be on them. Sam Billings is aware of this fact, and he’s aiming to get a place in England’s middle order.

The Three Lions have an intimidating batting line-up in white-ball cricket and their performances over the years narrate the entire story. Jos Buttler, Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes have been forming England’s top six in T20Is. These dashers have been doing exceptionally well, and replacing anyone of them would take some beating.

In fact, a player of Joe Root’s calibre has struggled to play the shortest format in the national jersey. However, Billings is aiming to find a place in England’s middle-order for the T20 World Cup. Admitting that competition in the team is massive, the wicketkeeper-batsman said that he’ll leave no stones unturned to impress the selectors.

I want to make the middle order position my own: Sam Billings

“My focus is on the T20 World Cup in India. I want to make the middle order position my own. You can’t rest up because there is huge competition in this England side. I missed the 2019 World Cup but want to make the most of the lost time,” Sam Billings said during a podcast titled ‘Headstrong’.

While Billings has set his eyes on the T20 World, the 29-year-old has a chance to make a mark in the purest form of the game. He has replaced injured wicket-keeper Ben Foakes in England’s Test for the two-match home series against New Zealand, starting from June 2. Billings is yet to make his Test debut, and he must be determined to shine against Kiwis if any opportunity comes.

Meanwhile, Billings was part of England’s white-ball squad touring India earlier this year. He warned the benches throughout the five-match T20I series and finally got a chance in the third and last ODI. Hence, the dasher doesn’t feature in England’s first-choice line-up and it would be interesting to see whether he features in the T20 World Cup or not.