Cricket: Sam Billings the third Englishman to sign on for Big Bash amid concerns over travel for the Ashes

Two days ago Sam Billings was fielding for England at The Oval and is not among the players baulking at travelling to Australia for the Ashes.

Sam Billings has re-signed with the Sydney Thunder. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Sam Billings fielded for England in the fourth Test against India at the Oval this week alongside a raft of players who are weighing up whether to travel to Australia for the Ashes.

But the would-be Test keeper has no such concerns about quarantine or travel restrictions and has signed on to join at least two of his countryman in the Big Bash.

The influence of former England coach Trevor Bayliss can’t be denied with Billings joining countryman Alex Hales at the Thunder.

James Vince is also playing at the Sydney Sixers, where England bowler Tom Curran is also signed, painting a picture of extreme willingness to make the trip to Australia.

Sam Billings fielding for England at the Oval. Picture: Daniel Leal-Olivas / AFP

Several England Test players have detailed concerns about touring Australia for the Ashes if families are unable to be part of the trip. Last week captain Joe Root maintained that discussions between Cricket Australia and their English counterparts were yet to reach an amicable solution.

Billings is yet to make his Test debut but could be part of the Ashes tour as a reserve wicketkeeper.

He was added to England’s Test squad for their series against India after Jos Buttler departed for the birth of his second child, which was born at the weekend.

Billings is a perennial Big Bash attendee having played two seasons with the Sydney Sixers before switching across town to the Thunder last summer.

Can’t wait to be back with the #ThunderNation ⚡️💥 https://t.co/1Ay1UaCOiA

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) September 6, 2021

The 30-year-old, who captains his county side Kent and the Oval Invincibles in The 100, has played for his country in both white-ball formats.

“I think the most exciting thing about coming back to the Thunder is the group of young players that complement the older, experienced heads,” Billings said.

“(Alex) Hales is obviously a high quality player and we have all seen what he can do.

“In my first experiences with Sydney Thunder last season there were obviously positive signs, but we didn’t finish where we wanted to or could finish. There is no reason we can’t take another step forward and go close to the title.”

The Thunder’s BBL campaign is expected to kick off at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Monday, December 6, but the fixture remains fluid amid ongoing border restrictions.

Originally published as Cricket: Sam Billings the third Englishman to sign on for Big Bash amid concerns over travel for the Ashes