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A home World Cup comes around only once in a generation, but after missing out through injury, Sam Billings is using the pain as motivation.
The wicketkeeper-batsman was in-line to be involved at this summer’s ICC Cricket World Cup, but for a dislocated shoulder on domestic duty with Kent putting paid to his chances back in April.
While compatriots Joe Root, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes battle it out to deliver the ultimate prize in front of adoring partisan crowds, Billings is looking at the bigger picture.
“Obviously I want to be involved,” said Kent captain Billings.
“Unfortunately it’s one of those things: injuries happen. I’ve had the operation and it went well, so for me it’s a matter of the road to recovery and hopefully getting back playing in August, fingers crossed. If recovery goes to plan, that’s the plan anyway.
“There’s a lot of cricket to be played. My last game in the West Indies I got 87 - my career best for England. For me it’s about building on that.
“I’ve had an extended break away from the game and having time to really progress my own game, realise and identify the areas that I need to improve.
“I’m using this time off well and productively, there’s a T20 World Cup next year that I’ve set my sights on to not only be a big part of the squad, but the success in a campaign like that.
“I’m really motivated to play a huge part in international cricket going forward and pulling on that England shirt again.
“It gives you that extra motivation - I want to be out there and I can’t, so supporting the lads as much as I can.”
Rather than turn a blind eye to the tournament on his doorstep, Billings has embraced it.
The 28-year-old has made a foray into the world of broadcasting, turning out for the likes of Sky and the BBC as he hones new skills that one day may come in handy.
“It’s been a time where I can do a lot of other things and progress different skills as well with the media stuff, so really enjoying that,” he continued.
“We’ll have to wait and see! It’s like anything - you get different opportunities and it’s about taking them and progressing.
“I see it as a life skill I could potentially go into, but you’ve got to be good at it! Like anything, it takes practice and I’m grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given.
“It’s great to get self-progression and look at different avenues. Also you look at the game from a different way, see from a different perspective, and I can definitely learn from that when I go back to playing. I definitely think it’ll be a positive experience.”
Birmingham hosted #CWC19 fixtures over the weekend. To celebrate the arrival of the Cricket World Cup to the city, the Fanzone in Victoria Square showed live screenings of all World Cup action over the weekend, along with live music, entertainment and food.
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