Kent wicketkeeper Sam Billings says he is a ‘step closer to the dream’ after being named in England’s provisional 30-man squad for the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The 23-year-old gloveman only took over as first-choice behind the stumps at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, in April, replacing former England keeper Geraint Jones.

Big-hitting Billings has been a one-day standout for Kent since making his List A debut in 2011, averaging 45 runs with the bat in his 28 innings to date and more than 100 in the Spitfires’ march to the Royal London One-Day Cup semi-finals this summer.

Billings has been on duty for the England performance programme in Sri Lanka, however news broke on Friday that an application by the ECB for Billings to replace Somerset’s injured Craig Kieswetter in the provisional squad had been approved by the ICC.

Billings joins Kent team-mate James Tredwell on the long-list for the tournament – due to start in early February – with a final 15-man squad set to be named by the end of this month.

Jos Buttler is likely to be England’s first-choice with Jonny Bairstow as back-up.

Billings told the ECB website he was absolutely chuffed, adding: “It’s the dream to play for England so it’s another stepping stone after a good year in the one-day stuff for Kent. It’s just really good to be in the mix and be around really high-class players.”

Billings is currently in Potchefstroom, South Africa, working with England’s pace bowlers, including Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, and said: “It’s an invaluable experience – with all the advice they give you.

“It’s highly competitive which bodes well for a really good environment so it’s kind of impossible not to improve with some of the international guys hanging around and seeing how they go about their business.

“You’ve got Gary Ballance and guys like Anderson and Broad who I’ve faced for the first time in the nets. It was brilliant – considering I’ve grown up watching these guys play, taking guard against them was a great experience and a great challenge.”

Billings could return with England Lions in the new year, if he does not make the World Cup cut.

Meanwhile the Tunbridge Wells Festival will include a T20 and one-day game in July after funding for temporary seating was underwritten by local businessman Freddie Cook, West Kent co-chairman of the Lord’s Taverners.