Despite being a highly productive cricketer, England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings could not enjoy a prolonged international career, largely due to the presence of two superstars -- Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler -- competing for the same role. Instead of pursuing an uncertain place in England’s playing eleven, Billings chose a different path, opting to enjoy cricket through various franchise leagues around the world. The 34-year-old is currently representing Sylhet Titans in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20. On Wednesday, ahead of his side’s second qualifier against Rajshahi Warriors in Mirpur, Billings spoke to The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan on a range of topics, including his current stint with Sylhet, reflections on his England career, his observations on young talent Rishad Hossain, and more at the team hotel. The excerpts are as follows:
The Daily Star (DS): You have been to Bangladesh a couple of times since your U-19 days, and you also scored your maiden ODI fifty in Chattogram. How much are you enjoying your stint this time?
Sam Billings (SB): I love it. Anytime you play in the subcontinent, the passion for the game is phenomenal. The support and love we get in Bangladesh is amazing -- you feel it as soon as you get off the plane and again at the stadium. I was saying to Moeen and Woakesy last night that when you come here, you realise how tough the conditions are. Yesterday’s [Tuesday’s] wicket was very difficult to bat on, and it’s a completely different style of cricket compared to anywhere else. That challenge makes you a better player every time. I’ve just come from Australia, where the conditions were totally different -- pace, bounce, different skill sets from the opposition. Even at 34, I’m still developing and learning, and I’m very grateful for the experience.
DS: It’s not easy to adapt to conditions like Mirpur, yet you did it very well. What was going through your mind when you went out to bat?
SB: We were 44 for four at one stage. If it becomes 50 for five or six, the game is pretty much done, especially with someone like Mustafizur able to close it out. So it was about hanging in there. These days, players and coaches can be too fixated on strike rates. Ultimately, it’s about winning. Whatever was required to win the game, I had to put my ego aside and do that -- bat time and build a partnership. We [he and Miraz] put together a fifty-run stand. Of course, I would’ve liked to finish it and score quicker, but it was a very tough pitch. I just tried to do what the situation demanded.
DS: You got out, and Chris Woakes ended up being the hero.
SB: Exactly -- never in doubt. I knew if they bowled wide to him, it would be a six because he’s so good in that area. If they made him hit to the longer side, maybe there was some trouble. But he’s a quality cricketer who’s done it all over the world. It was an unbelievable shot.
DS: Coming from the Big Bash, what changes have you noticed in the BPL?
SB: That’s the beauty of cricket -- conditions change everywhere. Mirpur and Chattogram are completely different. Australia offers pace and bounce, not much spin, and good batting wickets. Then you come to Mirpur, chase 111, and realise you have to adapt your game. Even in my thirties, I’m still learning. That’s what I love about cricket -- testing yourself in different conditions and finding ways to win games and tournaments around the world.
DS: Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain is now playing for Hobart Hurricanes, and you’ve played against him. What do you make of him?
SB: I’ve chatted a lot with Rishad. We became good friends at Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. I genuinely think he’s a future superstar. Leg-spin is so crucial in T20 cricket, and he’s unique -- he has a high release point, bowls quite fast, and actually turns his leg-break a lot. Many leg-spinners rely heavily on googlies these days, but his ability to turn the ball makes him very special. He’s always smiling, works incredibly hard, and I rate him very highly. I’m trying to get him to play in England with me.
DS: It’s been a while since you played for England. Do you still have ambitions of representing the national team?
SB: No, that chapter is done. That ship sailed a long time ago. I’ve been very fortunate to play all around the world, captain teams, and win titles. That’s what I’m focused on now -- winning more competitions. I get a lot of fulfilment and happiness from that.
DS: Do you have any regrets from your England career?
SB: The tough part was being in and out of the side. I had Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler ahead of me -- two superstars -- so timing wasn’t on my side. I think my only regret is not enjoying it more when I did play. I was always fighting for my place. But I did have good moments. Sometimes you perform well and the opportunities still don’t come -- that’s just cricket.
DS: You chose franchise cricket over England’s 2023 Bangladesh tour and were never recalled. Was that the right decision?
SB: One hundred percent. They couldn’t guarantee me game time, and I just wanted to play cricket and enjoy it. The game has changed -- you don’t need international cricket to feel fulfilled. I love being part of different teams, different environments, and winning tournaments.
DS: How do you cope with constant travel and playing immediately after landing?
SB: You have to be professional -- manage your mindset, have a clear game plan, and know your game inside out. Don’t try to play like anyone else. Recovery is also crucial -- gym work, massage, hot and ice baths, switching off away from cricket. All of it matters.
DS: With the T20 World Cup coming up, who are your favourites?
SB: India will be very strong at home. Australia are always contenders. I hope England will be too -- we have the talent. Adil Rashid is key for us. New Zealand always punch above their weight as well. But India and Australia will be very hard to beat.
DS: Were you disappointed with the recent Ashes?
SB: Very. That middle session in Perth changed everything. If England had batted solidly, we could’ve gone one-nil up and the series might have looked very different. Small moments decide big contests, and that was a massive missed opportunity.
DS: Do you still back Bazball?
SB: Absolutely. People forget how poor England were before this turnaround. Baz [Brendon McCullum] is an incredibly intelligent coach, one of the best I’ve worked with. Of course, you always adapt and learn. It’s a good opportunity for a slight reset, but I’ve no doubt they’ll come back stronger.
