Why was Sam Billings given 700th Test cap despite becoming England's 699th Test cricketer?

A lot of confusion seemed to have taken place after England wicketkeeper Sam Billings made his Test debut against the Australia cricket team in the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Ashes series, in Hobart. 

The 30-year-old cricketer became the 699th England cricketer to play in the longest format of the game but the cap he was presented had mentioned 700 on it. The actual reason was found out a little later. 

The real reason

It was understood that an honourary 696th cap was presented to Alan Jones, in June, 2020. 

The reason behind this gesture was that, one unofficial Test match had taken place in June 1960 and Jones had played for England in that Test match. That match had taken place at Lord’s and Jones represented the English team while facing the Rest of the World team. 

And that is the reason why Billings received a cap written 700 on it.

Five changes in English team

The visitors made five changes to their side for Tasmania’s first-ever Ashes Test match. Billings succeeded in making his Test debut as English wicketkeeper Jos Buttler had suffered a finger injury in the last Test and as a result of that he was ruled out from the fifth Ashes Test. Billings was on his way to take part in the Big Bash League (BBL) for his side Sydney Thunder but in a surprising turn of events now he will play in his first-ever Test match at the age of 30.

Another batter Jonny Bairstow was also out of the squad because of an injury concern and Ollie Pope was brought into the squad in his place. Opener Haseeb Hameed was dropped and Rory Burns was brought into the squad. Star England pacer James Anderson and spinner Jack Leach also did not feature in the final Test. Pacers Ollie Robinson and Craig Overton were selected for the match.

After winning the toss England skipper Joe Root chose to bowl first. Aussie opening batsman David Warner was the first one to depart after the left-handed batter was out for a duck. Aussie batsmen Marnus Labuschagne (44 off 53) and Travis Head (101 off 113 balls) averted the initial danger as Australia were batting at 241 for 6 (at the time of reporting).