Ben Foakes to Replace Sam Billings in England’s Team

Ben Foakes will replace wicket-keeper batsman Sam Billings in England's squad for coming ODI and T20 game against Ireland and Pakistan due to his injury.

Ben Foakes will replace the injured wicket-keeper batsman Sam Billings in England’s squad for the one-off ODI and one T20I against Ireland against Pakistan. Billings dislocated his shoulder in the field for his county Kent in a limited-overs clash against Glamorgan in Cardiff, International Cricket Council (ICC) reported on Friday. Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow who are capable of keeping wickets have been rested for both the fixtures after their stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 27-year old Billings was not included in England’s 15-member team for the World Cup but his injury means that should one of Bairstow or Buttler sustain an injury during the tournament, Foakes will be the likely replacement. If Foakes gets a chance in the playing XI, it will be his first white-ball appearance for England. The 26-year-old Foakes made his Test debut for England in Sri Lanka late last year and he even scored a century in his debut match.

The player has been in good form recently in the 50-over format, recording scores of 64, 82 and 71 in his last three matches for Kent. England takes on Ireland and Pakistan in a one-off ODI and one T20I on May 3 and 5 respectively.