Pakistan Super League: Sam Billings hoping Brad Haddin tutelage prepares him for T20

Billings learning from the Australian at Islamabad United

(Getty Images)

As England’s five-match one day series with South Africa reaches Port Elizabeth, over 4,500 miles away Sam Billings is plying his trade in the nascent stages of the Pakistan Super League.

One of the overseas stars drafted by Islamabad United, the Kent wicket-keeper is gaining valuable experience for his looming T20 international challenges, first against South Africa at the end of the month, and then he hopes as part of England’s promising World T20 squad.

Coming off the back of some good performances for England Lions against Pakistan A, his opening two games in the PSL have not quite gone to plan, with Islamabad slipping to two fairly comprehensive defeats, the only real highlight for Billings being a superb one-handed diving catch against Peshawar Zalmi on Friday.

However he has the backing of head coach Dean Jones, who is adamant about giving Billings the best possible preparation for his upcoming international duty – including extensive work with fellow former Australian international Brad Haddin, part of the Islamabad squad. A pleasing case of franchise blood proving thicker than the water of national allegiance.

“It’s an interesting moment with him,” said Jones. “Look no doubt that Brad Haddin is the best keeper, but I’m also trying to help this young kid get ready for England to go on the South Africa tour.

“You know he’s been on his backside here for two weeks or a week and half, which I don’t think is the best thing for him to be honest. He played well here for the England A team, and we’ve played him a couple of games and he nearly took it off.

“He wouldn’t have been too happy with his two shots he’s got out to in the last two games, but he’s 24, it’s fantastic he’s under the microscope, he’s facing Wahab Riaz who’s a terrific bowler so they’re the type of examinations a boy needs – not a boy, he’s a man obviously – to get ready to play in an international series.”

Tidy keeping aside, Billings’ best effort with the bat so far has been an ultimately anticlimactic 26 off 20 balls in Islamabad’s second defeat, with Jones admitting he is a work in progress.

“If it was a final series, things might be different, would he be there, it’s a question mark. But I’m trying to give him a chance if you understand where I’m at,” said Jones. “And can I just say, Brad Haddin is also really helping me out, helping work on his keeping with Darren Berry which is really cool for him.

“It’s a wonderful learning episode as well for him to come through. We’re trying to get him ready [for South Africa] that’s where we’re at really.”

With five more games before he joins up with England in South Africa and the genuine encouragement of his coach behind him, Billings looks in the best possible position to both leave his mark on the PSL and return to the international fold with valuable new experience.