Sam Billings named as England's T20 vice-skipper for New Zealand tour

England's Sam Billings has been named as the vice-captain for the T20 side on Thursday, for the upcoming tour of New Zealand starting from November 1. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been roped in for the role of Eoin Morgan's deputy as the England Cricket Board recognizes the 'developing leader' inside Sam Billings. Sam Billings was left out of England's World Cup squad owing to a dislocated shoulder but the batsman has vowed to make a strong comeback and better himself as a player.

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'It's an honour', says Sam Billings

Reacting to being named as England's vice-skipper for T20s, Sam Billings said that it was an honour to do so and said that it was a great opportunity to be recognized as a developing leader. Setting his priorities straight, Sam Billings said that he was a batsman first and then a keeper and hence he had to focus on improving his game in order to be among the best batsmen in the world. Embracing the additional role, Sam Billings said that it was a great feeling to be responsible for the team and individually. Being out of action due to injury, Sam Billings claims that the leave had offered him a perspective to his career and that he would be focusing on seizing the opportunity to perform and prove himself. With his eyes firmly set on making it to England's World T20 squad, Sam Billings hopes to emulate his form in the County Championship and continue the run-scoring streak. 

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Joe Root eyes place in T20 side

England are currently in New Zealand where they are scheduled to play five T20s followed by two Test matches. Joe Root, who has not been considered for the T20 side, is keen on bettering himself constantly, in order to make it to the side. “For me to get into the T20 side, it will mean that I have to keep getting better,” Root told British media. If someone like Tom Banton comes in and sets the world alight, I’ve got to try to force him out in the limited opportunities I get to play. Joe Root went on to elaborate that if he succeded replacing a young face in the team, it would raise the standards of cricket for England and that the food chain was as such that one could be on the top and get swept away suddenly. In T20s, Joe Root has made 32 appearances, scoring 893 runs. 

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