Sam Billings targets Virat Kohli in survival of the fittest

Sam Billings celebrates a half century during the third and final ODI match between Bangladesh and England
AFP/Getty Images
Tom Collomosse13 January 2017

Sam Billings is determined to eclipse Virat Kohli as the fittest cricketer in the world.

The 25-year-old Kent wicketkeeper-batsman is one of the rising stars of the English game and will surely play a part in the six limited-overs matches in India — three ODIs and three Twenty20s — starting at Pune on Sunday.

Billings is carving a career for himself in T20 leagues around the world and has already played in the Indian Premier League and Australia’s Big Bash, but there is no doubt about his inspiration.

“Kohli said he wants to be the fittest cricketer on the planet — and if it’s good enough for him,” said Billings. “For me, fitness has got to be a non-negotiable in the modern game.

“It’s a real base issue of where you are mentally. The sports science I did at university taught me that fitness and psychology go hand in hand. If you are pushed to your optimum, you become more emotional and more raw character shows.

“That’s the purpose of preparing better, to get fitter, so my ceiling is higher and I’m calmer and I can perform better in those high-pressure situations,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow, another wicketkeeper-batsman, is optimistic about England’s chances in the series, despite their six-wicket defeat by India A yesterday.

“It’s probably a good thing it’s happened here and not next time in Pune,” said Bairstow. “It gives us a chance to refocus and it’s kind of a kick up the backside.

“I don’t think there’s too much concern. We’ve been doing well and scoring 300 pretty regularly. Perhaps it was a little blip but there’s nothing to really worry about.

“I don’t think there’s anything to harp on about with the bowling. Generally, the bowling has been pretty good and you’re going to have little off days, the same with the bat.”

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