Sam Billings out for 'three-five months' after shoulder dislocation requires surgery

Sam Billings could miss the rest of the season after being told the shoulder dislocation he suffered at Cardiff on Thursday will require surgery*. Kent have put his recovery timescale at "three-five months".

Billings' return to action for Kent, having just flown back from India, lasted a matter of minutes. He was quickly ruled out of England duty, having been picked for an ODI in Dublin next week and the subsequent T20I against Pakistan, with Ben Foakes called up in his place.

Kent's director of cricket, Paul Downton, revealed the extent of Billings' injury with an update on Friday afternoon.

"Sam has seen a specialist this morning, where he underwent a scan to assess the extent of his injury," Donwton said. "The scan highlighted significant damage to his shoulder, meaning he will require surgical intervention. This surgery has been scheduled for next week and it is anticipated that he will be back to fitness within three-five months.

"I know I speak for everyone at Kent when I say we really feel for Sam. To have picked up this kind of injury ahead of what was set to be an exciting summer is tough. However, I have no doubt that his dedicated professionalism and strong mindset, will see him working hard behind the scenes to return back to fitness as soon as possible."

Billings, the Kent captain, had returned to the team for his first county fixture of the season, against Glamorgan in the Royal London Cup, after completing his stint with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

However, he was hurt attempting to stop a shot in Harry Podmore's first over of the match. In obvious pain, Billings was left prone on the outfield for several minutes, and was administered oxygen before being helped off the field.

Kent later confirmed that he had been taken to hospital, where the shoulder was relocated, and returned to Sophia Gardens afterwards.

Billings had not been included in England's 15-man squad for next month's World Cup, but was likely to be one of the batting reserves. England already have a number of injury concerns, particularly among their batsmen, as they build towards the World Cup opener against South Africa at The Oval on May 30.

Jason Roy is missing for Surrey in the latest round of Royal London Cup games after suffering back spasms earlier this week, while Eoin Morgan also sat out the same fixture for Middlesex after complaining of sore shins before the toss.

Kent's other England selection, Joe Denly, was not included for the trip to Glamorgan after suffering a back spasm while batting against Gloucestershire on Tuesday.

Alex Hales, meanwhile, has been put on indefinite leave by Nottinghamshire for personal reasons, but is expected to link up with the England squad for a pre-season training camp in Cardiff this weekend.