Kent wicket-keeper Sam Billings is confident and raring to go for the new season, after a winter spent playing Down Under.

22-year-old Billings has become a regular face in limited overs cricket for Kent in the last few years, particularly in T20s, and this season is keen to push on in the longer form of the game, too.

As one of a number of younger, promising squad members, Billings also understands that the time is here for himself and a number of the other fresher faces to start claiming their places in the team.

“I can’t wait to get going. I haven’t really had a break since the end of last year, but I’m really looking forward to the new season”, he said.”

“The aim is to keep and bat in the top order in all forms. I would have loved to have played a bit more last year, to be honest. I made some good performances in the Second XI and I will hopefully start [in the First XI] this year.

“If that doesn’t happen, I’ll have to go and make some performances in the Second XI and then force my way in, but there’s no reason why I can’t do that.

“I’ve hit the ball brilliantly and I’m keeping nicely as well since coming back here, and physically I feel I’m in the best shape I’ve been in, so hopefully the hard work pays off.”

Billings spent the off-season playing in Australia, and enjoyed the opportunities on offer to him both on and off the field.

“I was down in Sydney for five months – I’m still clinging on to a bit of a tan, somehow!” he laughed.

“It was awesome – it was the best thing I’ve done, definitely. I was in Adelaide the year before with the Academy, but it was a lot better just going to a place on your own, being accountable for yourself and having a bit of responsibility.

“It forces you to grow up, in a way.

Billings is one of a number of younger members of the Kent squad who are now being asked by Head Coach Jimmy Adams and the rest of the backroom staff to step up and really cement their place in the starting team on a regular basis.

“There are probably close to 10 of us [who need to step up]”, Billings said.

“Adam Riley is up there as one of the best spinners I’ve seen in a while, and then we’ve got DBD, who’s just been to the MCC.

“There’s that core group of younger guys like us that can really build a county and become a really strong force, so we’ve got to keep working hard and stick together.”