Sam Billings bids farewell to red-ball cricket, opts for white-ball-only contract with Kent

In a surprising move, England Test cricketer Sam Billings has announced his departure from red-ball cricket, opting to focus solely on white-ball formats as he bids farewell to the longer version of the game. The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has signed a white-ball-only contract with Kent, solidifying his reputation as a “gun for hire” in domestic limited-overs competitions worldwide.

Speaking at an event to launch the English domestic season, Billings explained his decision, stating, “The definition of a career is earning a living. At some point, players have to make decisions based on that, and cricket is moving in only one direction.” With his eyes set on optimizing his earnings and achieving a more balanced lifestyle, Billings believes that stepping away from Test cricket is the right move for him at this stage of his career.

Having found success in various franchise leagues, including leading the Oval Invincibles to victory in The Hundred last year, Billings has become a sought-after asset in the T20 circuit. Despite acknowledging the competitiveness of franchise cricket, he remains confident in his abilities and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Reflecting on his decision, Billings cited a congested schedule and his struggles with Kent in 2023 as contributing factors. With tough competition for the wicketkeeping role in England’s Test side, Billings sees little prospect of a return to red-ball cricket.

While acknowledging that his decision may have been different if he believed he had a chance of playing Test cricket for England again, Billings is content with his choice to focus on white-ball cricket moving forward. As he closes the door on his Test career, Billings looks ahead to new opportunities and challenges in the limited-overs formats.