Billings took over keeping duties in 3rd Test after Ben Foakes contracted Covid-19.
Foakes did not take the field on Saturday's third afternoon at Headingley after complaining of a stiff back but later returned a positive test after a check at the team hotel. Jonny Bairstow who has spent a large part of his Test career keeping wickets deputized behind the stumps during New Zealand's second innings but Billings was drafted in to take over for the rest of the match.
During New Zealand's second innings, Neil Wagner was dismissed in unusual fashion when replacement wicketkeeper Sam Billings grabbed an edge off Jack Leach that had lodged between his legs.
The ball took the edge of Wagner’s bat and hit Billings in his chest. As he tried to gather the ball and closed his legs, the ball hit his right thigh and got lodged in between his two legs, which was retrieved by Billings as the umpire gave the New Zealand batter out.
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Meanwhile, Jack Leach finished with five-wicket hauls in both innings and his maiden Test 10-fer as well. New Zealand made 326 in their second innings, setting England a 296-run target. England, in their chase, finished day 4 on 183/2 with 113 runs more required.