Billings signs for Sydney Thunder ahead of BBL 10
Thursday 5th November 2020
Sydney Thunder has recruited explosive Kent captain Sam Billings – one of the world’s most sought after T20 players – to represent them in the KFC Big Bash League’s milestone 10th season.
The right-hander joins a Sydney Thunder side already boasting the talents of Kent Women skipper Tammy Beaumont for their Women’s Big Bash League side, as well as Kent Spitfires fan favourite Adam Milne in the Thunders’ Men’s squad ahead of the start of the tournament.
Billings joins Thunder in scintillating form after his memorable 118 for England in the recent One Day series against Australia. He scored his century after overcoming a powerful pace attack spearheaded by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to hit 14 boundaries and two sixes
Testimony to the ruthless batting Billings displayed during the three-match series was the mighty six he struck off Starc’s bowling during his 57 at Old Trafford. The ball was hit so deeply into the ground’s car park, play was delayed as Australia’s substitute fielder Kane Richardson was sent to retrieve it.
The 29-year-old, who’ll arrive in Sydney at the end of England’s One Day and T20I tour of South Africa, said he had good reason to pad up for Thunder feeling confident about the campaign ahead.
“Coming to the Big Bash after [batting consistently] against Australia’s finest is a big confidence booster,” he said. “You don’t take anything for granted, but to have that behind you definitely helps . . . it was something I was very proud of, and it’s definitely one of my best summer of cricket.”
Billings, who played two seasons in the BBL for the Sixers, said he leapt at the opportunity to join Sydney Thunder because he’d felt a connection to the club in 2014 when he played NSW Premier Grade cricket in Thunder Nation’s heartland.
Apart from playing for Penrith, he also found he was impressed by the spirit and culture of what’s now his new club whenever he opposed Thunder in crosstown derbies.
“It seemed a close-knit group,” he said. “They represent western Sydney and, having played club cricket for Penrith, I know the area fantastically well. I still have a lot of very good friends from my time there.
“Something I do know about western Sydney is the ‘togetherness’ of the group. That’s something I picked up on, and it was something Jos Buttler, who played for Thunder, mentioned as well; that the people get stuck in for each other. With that in mind, I’m very happy to be on board with Sydney Thunder.
“Jos and Joe Root are two good mates of mine who represented Thunder, so I picked their brains about the set-up; everything I could think of! Neither had a bad word . . . all they could tell me was it’s a great franchise, and wonderful to be a part of.”
Billings, who has played a total of 51 white ball matches for England, said he was excited to return to the BBL.
“It’s a fantastic tournament, “he said. “It’s the Australian game, really, because everyone loves it. To be a part of a tournament that grips the country is amazing.”
“Now that I’m experienced in T20, my aim is to add huge value to the team and propel it to great things this year. We have a great chance of pressuring for the title.”
Billings said another reason for joining Thunder was his firm friendships with coach Shane Bond, fellow Englishman Alex Hales, and crowd favourite Chris Green.
“’Bondy’ is fantastic,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate to work with some exceptional coaches and Shane is in that bracket.
“The squad that’s been assembled is very exciting. There’s a great blend of youth and experience, which is the key to winning any tournament.”
Bond said he welcomed Billings’ decision to join Sydney Thunder because the Englishman is a rarity in the T20 game.
“It’s not easy to get someone who wants to be a middle order batter, but he wants to do that for us,” said Bond. “And I know he wants to continue to do that role for England – and that offers so much to our team.
“We’re delighted to have Sam. When you put a squad together you look for the playing quality of the person you’re signing, but you also want players who’ll also bring something to the group, including good company.
“Sam is first and foremost an outstanding cricketer, but his reputation as a good bloke precedes him no matter where he goes. I’ve known him for quite a while and he’s everything you want: a quality player and quality person.”
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