Tuesday 24 November 2015 15:41, UK
Jos Buttler's fireworks at the crease show the huge potential England have in the limited over format, says Sam Billings.
Billings filled in for Buttler behind the stumps in Monday's 79-run Twenty20 warm-up victory over the United Arab Emirates at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Jason Roy starred with the bat, top-scoring with 59 in a total of 174-6 as the hosts fell well short, while Billings scored 12 at number five, looking a little rusty in his first innings since the end of last summer.
Billings, not required during England's 3-1 one-day international series win over Pakistan, was a spectator in the dressing-room during Buttler's record-breaking 46-ball century which powered the tourists to success in Dubai on Friday.
"The bloke's a freak, to put it bluntly," Billings said of his fellow wicketkeeper. "It was a phenomenal innings, and a pleasure to watch."
Billings nonetheless believes he, and others in the squad, have the ability to turn matches England's way in the white-ball format.
"We're all trying to emulate something like that on a personal level," Billings added. "The pleasing thing is that I think we have numerous individuals who can make performances like that happen.
"You aspire to do things like that. You've done it at county level, so it's about emulating it at international level. If I get an opportunity, I'll give it 100 per cent and hope it will come off."
Buttler is sure to return for three Twenty20 internationals against Pakistan over the next week, in Dubai and Sharjah, after only four full international matches in the shortest format for England since the last World Twenty20 in Bangladesh in March 2014.
And Billings is increasingly optimistic about England's chances at the next World Twenty20, which is to be held in India in 2016.
"As a squad in one-day cricket, I think we've moved forward really well," Billings added.
"We feel this whole squad can really move up another level, so it's about continuing that momentum throughout this winter into the 'World Cup'.
"It's an important week (coming up), and we'll be giving it a right good go. Tours like this are exceptional to improve our skills."
Watch England take on Pakistan in the first of two Twenty20 internationals, starting from 3.30pm on Sky Sports 2 on Thursday, or watch with a day pass from NOW TV - no contract.
