Jos Buttler can lead the way for England says Sam Billings

Sam Billings believes that Jos Buttler’s incredible display of hitting shows the potential England have in their limited overs squad. Buttler produced a record-breaking 46-ball century in Dubai last Friday as England secured a 3-1 series victory over Pakistan. “The bloke’s a freak, to put it bluntly,” said Billings. “It was a phenomenal innings, and a pleasure to watch.” Billings filled in for Buttler behind the stumps on Monday as England secured a comfortable 79-run victory over the UAE in a T20 warm-up game. And the Kent wicketkeeper believes Buttler’s display can be matched by several members of the England side. “We’re all trying to emulate something like that on a personal level,” he added. “The pleasing thing is that I think we have numerous individuals who can make performances like that happen. “You aspire to do things like that. You’ve done it at county level, so it’s about emulating it at international level. If I get an opportunity, I’ll give it 100 per cent and hope it will come off.” England endured a disastrous World Cup earlier this year as they were eliminated in the group stages, but have impressed in limited overs cricket since the summer. With a World Twenty20 taking place next year in India, Billings is optimistic about England’s chances in the tournament. “As a squad in one-day cricket, I think we’ve moved forward really well,” said Billings. “We feel this whole squad can really move up another level, so it’s about continuing that momentum throughout this winter into the ‘World Cup’.”