Billings signs up for Sixers

Sam Billings, the Kent and England wicketkeeper-batsman, has signed to play for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League in Australia next month. He is available for the group stage, although he is expected to miss the later stages of the tournament because of a clash with England's ODI tour to India in January.

Billings will join England team-mate Jason Roy in a squad that also includes a former Kent team-mate in Doug Bollinger, the veteran Australia pace bowler. Nottinghamshire's Michael Lumb is also part of the Sixers squad.

Billings said: "It's a great competition and to get the opportunity to play in it is fantastic. I spent six months in Sydney in 2013 and it was a very good experience and great for my game."

Sydney Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd said Billings' flexibility was an attraction. "Sam is a crucial addition to our ranks given the selection for Australia of Nic Maddinson and the possibility of other Australian selections.

"Recent international performances have whetted our appetite that his explosive and creative style of batting will nicely suit our line-up. Sam can bat anywhere in the order and we like that flexibility in our players. Also his fielding is highly rated both as a keeper or outfielder."