England have plucked wicketkeeper Sam Billings from the Big Bash League to join their Ashes squad as a cover after both their first and second-choice stumpers suffered hand injuries in the Sydney Test. Jonny Bairstow braved through sharp pain to score England’s first century of their Ashes tour but a severe blow to his right thumb could leave him unable to take the gloves in Jos Buttler’s absence. Reserve batter and occasional keeper Ollie Pope was seen practising with the gloves on Friday at the SCG and did don the mitts on day four, even taking a good catch to send Marcus Harris packing.
JUST IN: Wicket-keeper batter Sam Billings has been added to England’s #Ashes squad as cover. pic.twitter.com/jQ6VrcXTo7
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 7, 2022
