Despite fan backing, Sam Billings remains in the dark as England searches for a new captain.

Sam Billings has revealed he has received no contact from England’s management over the vacant white-ball captaincy, despite growing calls for him to take the role. While his name has surfaced in discussions, the 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter remains on the outside looking in.

With Jos Buttler stepping down after England’s catastrophic Champions Trophy campaign, the hunt is on for a new leader. Yet, despite his experience and tactical nous, Billings has heard nothing from England’s director of cricket, Rob Key, or head coach Brendon McCullum.

“I haven’t spent too much time thinking about it,” Billings admitted at an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) event. “I haven’t played for England for more than two years.”

That absence has not deterred supporters, who overwhelmingly backed Billings in a BBC Sport poll, preferring him over Ben Stokes and Harry Brook for the job. The Kent captain, known for his sharp cricketing mind and franchise success, had previously expressed eagerness to take on the challenge. But his phone remains silent.

England’s Captaincy Conundrum

The ECB is keeping its options open. Key has refused to rule out selecting a captain from outside the current squad, saying “nothing is off the table.” But with England’s next white-ball series looming, a decision must be made soon.

Stokes, who already captains the Test team, and current white-ball vice-captain Brook are seen as the frontrunners. However, workload concerns may push England towards an alternative. That should put Billings in contention, yet no approach has been made.

Billings last played for England in 2022 and was once considered a possible Test captain before Stokes took the reins. Despite being out of the international frame, he remains a respected leader in county and franchise cricket.

Backing Brook for the Role

If England isn’t looking his way, Billings believes Brook could be the right choice. At just 26, the Yorkshire batter is still young but has already shown impressive leadership skills.

“People get so caught up with recency bias, but Brook will be a superstar of the game for the next 10 years,” Billings said. “I was really impressed with his captaincy last year against Australia. He managed the game well and is tactically astute.”

However, Billings warned that England must consider Brook’s workload before handing him the captaincy. With all formats demanding more from players than ever, balancing responsibilities will be crucial.

A Decision Looms

The ECB faces mounting pressure to name Buttler’s successor, but their silence on Billings is telling. While fans may back him, England’s selectors appear to be looking elsewhere. Whether that changes before the final decision is made remains to be seen.

For now, Billings is focused on his own game. “I’ve been playing well, playing some good cricket, and I’m at a really enjoyable stage of my career,” he said.

But as England searches for a new leader, one question lingers—why hasn’t anyone picked up the phone?