Sam Billings is desperate to get back into England’s one-day side in time for this summer’s World Cup and says it is in his own hands.

The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has played 15 times in the 50-over format for his country, most recently against Australia in the summer.

With Eoin Morgan’s side in such good shape ahead of the World Cup on home soil, it is not an easy task to break into the starting XI, especially as he was not included in the squad for the current tour in the West Indies.

However, the 27-year-old has been included in the squad for three forthcoming T20s and knows that could be a platform to showcase his talent.

“I just have to score runs,” Billings told Press Association Sport at a Lord’s Taverners event in Luton, before England had completed a record run chase to win the opening ODI against the Windies on Wednesday.

“There’s not just 15 guys who are looking for a World Cup spot, there are probably 25-30 guys who could easily get in.

“There is healthy competition all the way down. Who knows, if I go well in the T20s and then go well in the IPL then who knows.

“It’s in my hands really. Whether I get an opportunity we’ll have to wait and see. I’m actually pretty calm about it, there’s not much I can do apart from enjoy my cricket.

Sam Billings last played for England's one-day international side in June
Sam Billings last played for England’s one-day international side in June (Nigel French/PA)

“There’s no guarantees, I’m very relaxed. Whatever squad is picked it’s going to be unbelievably strong.”

Along with the possible T20s in the Caribbean, Billings, who plays for Kent, will take part in the IPL in the spring, after he was signed by Chennai Super Kings.

While some of his fellow contenders for a spot in the 50-over side might be scratching around in bowler-friendly conditions in April and May, Billings will be cutting his teeth in a tournament he says is second only to the World Cup.

He added: “The IPL is the closest thing you’re going to get to international cricket, the pressure is as big as the World Cup.

“You saw Jos Buttler getting picked for the Test side from the IPL so it carries weight.

“You get conditioned and used to that sort of pressure. That could be an edge for me but ultimately it comes down to performances.”

Billings has just returned to the United Kingdom having captained the Lions on their recent tour to India.

He scored a century in the first one-day game, but could not muster a score above 36 for the rest of the tour.

Still, he insists he is feeling good.

“It was a great experience, I scored a hundred in the first game, I was really happy with how I played,” he said.

“I really wanted to show that I should be considered for the one-dayers, but didn’t quite continue the form.

“I know that my game is in a good place, I know that against very good opposition that my game is moving in the right direction and if there is an opportunity I can step in and do well.”

:: The Lord’s Taverners is the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability charity and is an official ‘Cricket 4 Good Partner’ at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this summer.