England’s 3-2 one-day series win over New Zealand can set the tone for an exciting Ashes summer, according to batsman Sam Billings.
After a disastrous World Cup, England won their five-game series against the Black Caps and close the tour with a Twenty20 at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
The five-Test Ashes series against Australia in England starts on 8 July.
“Hopefully the vibe can be taken forward into the Ashes and the one-day series,” said Billings, 24.
“It is a great start but only a start,” he added.
England set a number of records during the series win and particularly impressed with the bat – scoring their highest-ever ODI in one game (408-9) and recording their best run-chase (350-3) in another.
Ashes Tests |
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First Test: Cardiff – 8-12 July |
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Second Test: Lord’s – 16-20 July |
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Third Test: Edgbaston – 29 July – 2 August |
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Fourth Test: Trent Bridge – 6-10 August |
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Fifth Test: The Oval – 20-24 August |
Kent’s Billings, who was in his maiden one-day series for England, said: “It has been a phenomenal experience and one that I will remember for the rest of my life. It is a childhood dream and it’s what you get up every day for. It has been fun, a great two weeks.
“Hopefully it has generated a bit of interest around the country and got people behind the England cricket team going into the Ashes, which can only be a good thing.
Meanwhile, New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill is hoping to end a memorable tour of England on a high on Tuesday.
“The cricket both teams have played has been about excitement and confidence so I don’t see there being any change on Tuesday night,” he said.
“It’s been a pretty amazing one-day series and unfortunately we came out on the wrong side but the guys are still pretty confident and we’ll be up for the game.”
