Sam Billings would ‘jump’ at chance to become England white-ball captain

Aside from the captaincy, wicketkeeper Billings also said any rebuild of the England white-ball team is an “opportunity” for players trying to force their way into the international set-up.

“The talent in domestic cricket in this country is always there, certainly in white-ball cricket,” said Billings. “You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. It will just be a tweak here or there, picking a really nice, balanced side.

“It should provide great opportunity for all of us in England. If you’re going to stick your hand up and perform well, there are opportunities up for grabs, or there should be, in those formats. As a player, I’m looking at that thinking ‘why not, let’s try to get back in that side’.”

Stokes emerged as a candidate, possibly as one-day captain alongside Brook as T20 skipper, after Key said on Thursday England would be “stupid” not to consider the all-rounder.

In terms of leadership, Stokes would appear to be the ideal fit, given his role in revitalising England’s Test side.

But his fitness record is patchy – the 33-year-old had knee surgery at the end of 2023 and is recovering from a hamstring operation. Stokes has not played white-ball cricket for England in 18 months and any addition to his workload would have to be carefully considered in a year when England face five home Tests against India before an Ashes tour of Australia.

And Billings said Stokes’ “priority” should continue to be Test cricket.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Ben Stokes,” added Billings. “There’s no better man in terms of captaincy and as an all-round cricketer.

“But his priority is the Ashes and the five-Test series against India.”

“He is probably in the position where he can answer where his body can take him. Harry Brook is another one who fits similar criteria. You’ve got to balance it out. Playing all formats for England has never been tougher.”