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Kent captain Sam Billings plays in England's third ODI defeat against Ireland

Sam Billings was unable to make an impact for England a third time as they were stunned by Ireland.

The in-form Kent captain had produced two unbeaten knocks as England claimed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series but was dismissed for 19 on Tuesday.

Sam Billings in action for Kent Picture Ady Kerry
Sam Billings in action for Kent Picture Ady Kerry

Ireland successfully chased 329 to win the third and final match of the international series which is part of the qualification process for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

England had been 190-3 but in the space of seven overs were reduced to 216-7. Billings was one of those to fall tamely, miscuing a lofted drive to Mark Adair at mid-on.

The tourists bowled England out for 328 and then produced a stunning reply, completing the chase with just one ball to spare, thanks largely to a 214-run partnership between Paul Stirling (142) and Andrew Balbirnie (113).

It was a disappointing end to the three-game series for Billings but impressive performances with the bat in the first two matches earned rave reviews.

He scored unbeaten 67 and 46 in the first two ODIs after replacing injured county team-mate Joe Denly in the side. Former England spinner Monty Panesar was one of those calling for the 29-year-old to be a regular in the one-day team.

He said: “Whenever Billings is playing in on the crease in an ODI he looks very comfortable.

“He should be an automatic selection in the top six for the team. Now, with these performances, I would expect him to be there for sure.”

A career-best one-day international score of 67 not-out in the first match victory was followed by another mature innings in a four-wicket win in the second ODI, once again there at the end, along with David Willey in a 79-run partnership, finishing with 46 off 61 balls.

England have named an unchanged side for their first Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford today (Wednesday), which means no place in the team for Kent's Zak Crawley.

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