Fakhar Zaman is a great batsman to look at and emulate: Billings

England wicketkeeper batsman, Sam Billings, heaped praise on Pakistan opener, Fakhar Zaman, and said that the left-hander is a great example to emulate in international cricket.

Despite Jordan Cox not playing in the tournament, Billings hopes that his Kent teammate learned a lot from being part of the Qalandars squad in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight.

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“Seeing guys like Rashid Khan go about their business and Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Fakhar Zaman - what a great batsman to look at and emulate as well - so he learnt a lot," said Billings.

"I’ve, obviously, been on the bench a lot. But at 22, he’ll still learn a lot from the experience - just as long as you’re not still doing it at 26, 27 or 28 - and I’m sure he won’t be," he added.

Reflecting on his own experience of joining franchise leagues without getting much action, Billings still has high hopes for Cox, who he describes as a great personality with a bright future. 

“I spent a lot of time with Coxy,” he said. “He’s a great personality and he has an exceptionally bright future ahead of him." 

He reminds Cox that, at just 22 years old, he is already playing all three formats for his county, batting where he wants, and playing franchise cricket around the world.

“He’s one of the most talented youngsters around. I kept trying to remind him that, at 22, there’s not many players - if any - that are playing all three formats for their county, batting where he wants and playing franchise cricket around the world.

“As a 22-year-old with the world at his feet, what a great opportunity.

"I’ve, obviously, been on the bench a lot. But at 22, he’ll still learn a lot from the experience - just as long as you’re not still doing it at 26, 27 or 28 - and I’m sure he won’t be!

"He’s raring to go for the summer ahead," he concluded.