Billings’ twin centuries come at the back end of a frustrating summer; he suffered a serious shoulder injury in April, effectively ruling him out of the vast majority of Kent’s white-ball season
Sam Billings was left thrilled after becoming just the second player in first-class history to score hundreds in both innings of a match at Headingley.
West Indies batsman Shai Hope was the first to achieve the feat, doing so in his side’s five-wicket victory against England in 2017, when Jason Holder’s men chased down 322 to beat Joe Root’s team on the final day.
Billings’ twin centuries come at the back end of a frustrating summer; he suffered a serious shoulder injury in April, effectively ruling him out of the vast majority of Kent’s white-ball season, as well as any chance of featuring in England’s one-day summer.
He was not selected in the preliminary World Cup squad, but was set to face Ireland in an ODI at Malahide before injury struck.
“Really? Wow. That is amazing,” he reacted when informed of his record.
“Look, it was just enjoyable to have some time in the middle. As I’ve said before, it’s been a disappointing summer for myself, missing a home World Cup etc.
“I’m trying to make up for lost time. When you’re in form as well, you can’t take it for granted. You’re always going to have a run of bad form, especially in the red-ball game. It can be even more brutal than the white-ball game. When you’re in a good run of form, you have to make the most of it.
“I’m really enjoying my batting at the moment, and it’s great to play in this team.”
Despite making 260 runs in the match – he added an unbeaten 122 to a first-innings 138, his efforts have been overshadowed by an extraordinary display from Darren Stevens.
The 43-year-old made 237 at better than a run a ball in the first innings, before taking five wickets in Yorkshire’s second innings.
“Darren Stevens keeps going,” Billings added. “I’ve got two hundreds in the game, and I’ll probably not even be talked about. It’s his game of cricket.”
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