Billings could really flourish under new leadership: Jack Leaning

Kent stand-in captain Jack Leaning has backed Sam Billings to make it big in the longest format of the game for England. 

On the fourth day of the ongoing 3rd Test of the bilateral series between England and New Zealand, Billings was floated as a replacement for Ben Foakes, who was unavailable for the rest of the game after testing COVID positive. 

With this move, Billings had to leave the Kent County team ahead of their County Championship fixture against Surrey. 

In his place, the experienced Leaning took over as the captain for Kent. However, the 28-year-old reckoned that he had a little more time than others to process the development, as he witnessed Billings rushing on Saturday night to join the national squad.

"I found out on Saturday night, so I had a little bit more time to process it than the rest of the people in the media," explained Leaning, with Billings rushing up the M1 on Saturday night. 

Leaning reckoned that Billings has worked hard to improve his wicket-keeping skills and is eager to play for England in the red-ball cricket. It is evident that Billings is featuring for his second Test match after his maiden appearance against Australia earlier this year. 

"I'm really pleased for Sam; he's worked very hard on his keeping; he's a brilliant keeper."

"He's keen to pursue his Test career after getting his opportunity in the Ashes in the winter."

"England are flying at the moment; they only need another 130-odd to win."

Leaning added that the 31-year-old wicket-keeper could flourish well under the new leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum due to his attacking mindset. He expects Billings to score runs in the second innings and get runs under his belt. 

"He's the type of player who could really flourish under what appears to be the new leadership and the way they are going to go about their cricket."

"He is certainly that attacking-style batter, and he's got his flair with the gloves as well. Hopefully, he gets a chance to score some runs in the second innings and see the team home."

Billings plucked an unusual catch off Jack Leach to dismiss Neil Wagner, which helped the home team to wrap up New Zealand's innings early. 

At the end of Day 4's play, England was at 183/2, with Joe Root and Ollie Pope already reaching their respective fifties. They need only 113 runs to complete a series whitewash.