Sam Billings thinks now is the right time for Sam Northeast’s Kent homecoming.
Ashford-born Northeast is back at Canterbury this year after Kent beat off competition to sign him on a two-year deal.
Ironically, 36-year-old batsman Northeast, who initially left for Hampshire in 2018, was replaced as Kent’s club captain by Billings.
But the pair should line up alongside one another in a Kent shirt this campaign and have spent many years together as they both came through the county’s Academy set-up.
“I lived with him for a while when he was captain,” said Spitfires’ Vitality T20 Blast skipper Billings.
“He’s a great guy. He’s someone, obviously, that I played a lot of cricket with, growing up.
“He was definitely the ‘star boy’, growing up, and you can see what a quality player he has turned out to be.
“That’s no surprise to me. It’s fantastic to have him back.
“I think it was healthy for everyone – and his own mentality – the timing of when he left.
“He went onto play brilliantly wherever he went. But I think now is the time for him to come home. He’s exactly the type of player and a personality we need around the group.
“He’s a guy who sets incredibly high standards, demands them off others, and we need that mentality in the dressing room. I’m just very happy to have him back.”
Wicketkeeper-batsman Billings hinted Northeast may have to work his way into his Spitfires side this summer.
“A good definition of leadership is how you elevate other people and how you elevate other people into positions of leadership, as well,” said Billings.
“He’s definitely someone I will be leaning on. He played brilliantly for us for a couple of years in the T20 Blast.
“He probably won’t start for us – but there’s definitely a lot of experience and potential he could make an appearance.”
Billings will again be involved in The Hundred competition this summer – but with a different team.
With Oval Invincibles renamed MI London following investment from the owners of Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians, Billings found himself surpass to requirements.
He was signed by Trent Rockets for £180,000 in an auction earlier this month and will now represent the team that’s coached by Peter Moores.
Pembury-born Billings, 34, said: “It’s a great opportunity. I’m hugely thankful for them entrusting me with the opportunity. It was just nice to get one bid.
“I was pretty surprised by the value, that went up pretty quickly, but I’m just really excited to work with Peter Moores. I’ve heard so many positive things about him as a coach and an operator.
“Obviously, he was an assistant to Andy Flower last year and learnt from him.
“I think they have got a lot of similarities about how I like to go about things – that consistency element – the squad they have built is hugely experienced. You would say, bar Tim David and Finn Allen, it’s not a side full of superstars.
“But I personally think they’re the best types of teams. Guys that really gel together and play for each other.
“I think we have got a really exciting squad which, hopefully, can go all the way.”
Kent will start their final pre-season friendly against Oxford University Centre of Cricketing Excellence in a three-day game in Canterbury from today.
It’s a free-entry fixture with no ticket needed.
