Sam Billings opens batting in England Lions’ South Africa tour closer
Thursday 5th February 2015
Kent wicketkeeper Sam Billings opened the batting in England Lions' final one-day game against South Africa A in Benoni.
The 23-year-old Kent Cricket Academy graduate made five off nine balls as a specialist batsman before falling to a sharp catch at second slip off the lively Marchant de Lange.
Yorkshire duo Jack Brooks and Adil Rashid returned to the side after featuring in the four-day games as England lost the dead rubber by 78 runs with the series won by the tourists 3-1.
Lions skipper James Vince won the toss and fielded first with the hosts setting a target of 288 to win.
Jonny Bairstow kept the gloves as Billings played as a specialist batsman, taking a catch off Adil Rashid at deep mid wicket to remove the dangerous Dean Elgar, who put on 147 for the opening wicket.
After a 53-run second wicket stand between Theeza de Bruyne (29) and opener Reeza Hendricks (109), Jack Brooks took 3-55 to rip through the middle order before a late flurry by Chris Morris (35 not out off 27 balls).
In reply, the Lions lost wickets regularly with Bairstow (64) and Samit Patel (55) offering the main resistance before England were dismissed in 42.4 overs.
See Sam Billings in action this summer with a Kent Cricket Membership.
Tickets to Kent v Australiaon June 25-28, the first game of the Ashes Tour, are included in Kent All Rounder and Championship Plus Memberships and an option for Six Pack package holders.
Members can also buy up to six guest tickets before the fixture goes on general sale in March 2015.