Kent wicketkeeper Sam Billings has fulfilled a life’s ambition after being named in England’s latest squad for an ODI against Ireland in Dublin on Friday, May 8.

On Tuesday, Billings and fellow keeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow were both named in an initial 11-man squad to face Ireland, with James Taylor skippering a new-look line-up which will be bolstered after England’s third and final Test in the West Indies this week.

The 23-year-old revealed: “I got a heads up a few weeks ago that I might be on the radar and that I might be likely to go to Ireland. I have been to Loughborough for a screening day – medical things and fitness testing – which is only done by England players and those on the fringes of it.

“I got an initial call on Saturday and then confirmation on Sunday.”

He added: “It is pleasing. It is a childhood dream and what I work towards every day and the reason I get out of bed in the mornings.”

Billings revealed he hadn’t heard whether he or Jonny Bairstow will be employed behind the stumps but added; “I’ll take my gloves but I have no idea if I’ll need them. I just want to play and hopefully contribute to a winning performance.

“I broke into the Kent side as a batsman in one-day and T20 cricket and pride myself on my fielding, so whatever I am asked to do I’ll be ready.”

Billings only took over as first-choice behind the stumps at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, a year ago as coach Jimmy Adams and captain Rob Key backed him to take over from former England keeper Geraint Jones.