Sam Billings signs for Sydney Sixers

Kent wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings has signed to play for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League in Australia next month.

The Kent Cricket Academy graduate is available for the group stage, although he may miss the latter stages on England duty, if selected for the January ODI tour to India.

The 25-year-old will join England teammate Jason Roy in a squad that includes former Australia ‘keeper Brad Haddin, former Kent bowler Doug Bollinger and a host of current Australia internationals.

Billings said: “It’s a great competition and to get the opportunity to play in it is fantastic.

“I’ll bring energy in the field and flexibility with the bat as I’m able to play anywhere in the order and contribute.

“I spent six months in Sydney in 2013 and it was a very good experience and great for my game.

“I’m looking forward to working with Brad Haddin again and learning some more from him and meeting the rest of the lads.”

Sixers Head Coach Greg Shipperd said Billings’ flexibility made him a great addition to the squad.

“Sam Billings becomes our second international signing and is a crucial addition to our ranks given the selection of Nic Maddinson and the possibility of other Australian selections,” said Shipperd.

“Recent international performances have whet our appetite that his explosive and creative style of batting will nicely suit our line-up.

“Sam can bat anywhere in the order and we like that flexibility in our players. Also his fielding is highly rated both as a keeper or outfielder.

Good judges from England, Pakistan and the IPL have seen the potential in Sam and we welcome him to our squad.”

Sixers General Manager Dom Remond said “Sam is an extremely innovative and creative batter. He has played some big innings in both the IPL and PSL as well as for England.

"He will light up the SCG and the BBL this summer and a great addition to our top order.”

Sixers squad (*overseas players):Moises Henriques (c) , Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Jackson Bird, Johan Botha, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Michael Lumb*, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Joe Mennie, Stephen O’Keefe, Jason Roy*, Jordan Silk, Mitchell Starc.

See Sam Billings in 2017 with a Kent Cricket Membership or Six Pack Package atwww.kentcricketshop.co.uk–available at Early Bird prices until 31 December 2016.