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Kent and England wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings named in England squad ahead of ICC World T20 in India in March
09:00, 10 February 2016
Kent's Sam Billings has been named in England's 15-man squad for the ICC World T20 beginning next month in India.
Wednesday's announcement completes a whirlwind month for the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman who will miss the start of the Kent season to play in the Indian Premier League after being signed by the Delhi Daredevils at the weekend.
He is currently in action for Islamabad United in the inaugural Pakistan Super League competition in Dubai, where he recently starred for England Lions in their five-match ODI series defeat against Pakistan A.
Billings is also due to jet out to South Africa later this month to join the England party for the two-T20 series against the Proteas.
The Pembury ace has been given permission by Kent to play in the group stage of the IPL - which starts in April - but must return to England for the opening NatWest T20 Blast match against Somerset on May 20.
Only seven members of Eoin Morgan's squad have previous World T20 experience.
England’s campaign begins on March 16 against West Indies with South Africa, Sri Lanka and a qualifier their other opponents in the group stage.
ECB selector, James Whitaker, said: “The limited-overs cricket played in the last eight months has been incredibly exciting to watch and these players deserve the honour of representing England at a global event.
"We have made significant progress during recent series with plenty more to come over the next few years."
England ICC World T20 squad: Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, James Vince, David Willey.