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The England cricket team is going through a tough period lately. Jos Buttler gave up his role as the captain after his team ousted from the recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in group stage. Sam Billings, who hasn't played for the team since 2022, is keen to be associated with the team in the captaincy role. The Three Lions are now searching for new captains for ODIs and T20Is, with Harry Brook and Ben Stokes seeming to be the frontrunners, Billings is looking forward to leading the team as well.
"I’d be honored; 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 while speaking to BBC Sport. The 33-year-old has already guided the Oval Invincibles to The Hundred in each of the previous two seasons. Besides, he captained Dubai Capitals to the ILT20 title in the UAE in February.
Sam Billings feels few adjustment will bring England team on track
Sam Billings has appeared in three Tests, 28 one-day internationals, and 37 T20s for England, although none since November 2022. Some speculated that he could succeed Joe Root as Test captain that year before Stokes was appointed. "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," Billings told BBC Sport.
The wicketkeeper-batter believes domestic players have good potential, and with few adjustments, the team will be back on track. Billings last appeared in an international game in November 2022, when England played three one-day internationals in Australia immediately following their T20 World Cup victory. As a result, a captaincy spell with the English side would mark the 33-year-old's return to the national team.
Upon asking about Ben Stokes' possible option as England's ODI captain, Billing feels his priority should be Ashes. "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 remarked.
