Kent captain Sam Billings has been called up as cover for England's Test squad.

Despite the call-up, Billings was still named in Kent's County Championship side at Leicestershire for the game which started on Monday morning.

The 30-year-old is part of the 15-man England squad for the fourth Test against India at The Oval, which starts on Thursday. The squad are due to meet on Tuesday afternoon.

Billings will replace Jos Buttler, who will miss the Test with his wife expecting their second child. But he will not play with England head coach Chris Silverwood confirming Jonny Bairstow will take the gloves.

Silverwood said: "We would like to wish Jos and his family all the very best for the impending birth of their second child. Unfortunately, he will miss this Test, and we’ll then see if he returns for the final Test at Old Trafford.

“Jonny Bairstow will take over wicketkeeping duties, which he is relishing. As we all know, he has the skills to seamlessly take over from Jos and the ability to score crucial runs in the middle-order if called upon.

“Sam Billings, who was in the Test squad for the New Zealand series earlier this summer, returns as reserve keeper. He understands how we want to approach our cricket and is a popular member of the group. He will fit in well with the rest of the group."

The news comes less than 48 hours after Billings guided Kent Spitfires through finals day in the T20 Blast with victory over Birmingham Bears at Canterbury.

Billings has previously played just once for Kent this summer in the County Championship, scoring 11 in a rain-affected match against Glamorgan at Canterbury in May which saw less than 120 overs bowled in four days.

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