Sydney Thunder's Billings out of quarantine and into the BBL fire

Not surprising really, given Sam Billings has come from two degrees and England's tier-four coronavirus lockdown. And two week's hotel quarantine.

He'd probably even love Melbourne's weather. OK, that might be a step too far, but you'd do well to find someone more excited at Manuka Oval on Tuesday than the England international.

Billings will make his Sydney Thunder debut against the Melbourne Stars, having arrived in the capital on Boxing Day.

It's his first BBL game since his second season with the Sydney Sixers in 2017-18.

"The sun's out so very happy. Better than being in tier-four and two degrees at home," Billings said.

"It's nice to be back out of the hotel room and in the sunshine. It's great.

"I had two years with the Sixers in the Big Bash and I played two years of club cricket over here as well.

"I just love playing cricket down here and so many English players get so much out of coming down here in our winter months. It's an opportunity that I jumped at."

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Billings was relishing the contest as the Thunder looked to end a five-game losing streak against the Stars.

He's joining an in-form batting line-up in lime green, which included new BBL sensation Oliver Davies.

The Stars batting line-up was already looking pretty ominous as well - with Glenn Maxwell returning to one of his happiest hunting grounds and West Indian slugger Nicholas Pooran coming off a blistering 65.

But they look set to be bolstered by the inclusion of Marcus Stoinis (side) and Nic Maddison (quarantine) as well.

"Two very good sides. I think most of the sides in the competition are really good. They've got depth, like everyone," Billings said.

"I think the three imports have really added to the standard of the competition. It's taken it up another level.

"It'll be a great game [Tuesday]. Two great sides and in really good form. Just looking forward to it.

"We're a very good side that people know what we're capable of now. We've got dangerous match winners all through our side.

"As long as we do what we do well, we're all good."

Billings spent last summer getting his shoulder right after dislocating it on the eve of the 2019 World Cup in England.

The 29-year-old took time out from the Twenty20 circuit to not only strengthen his shoulder, but iron out his technique.

Along with the BBL, he's also played in the Pakistan Super League and the Indian Premier League.

The fact he doesn't have a young family made it an easy decision to return Down Under - even if it meant spending two weeks locked in a hotel room.

He was full of praise for Cricket Australia, who set him up with a treadmill, exercise bike and weights - while he also took the opportunity to turn his phone off and chill out with a book.

Although the second week might've dragged.

"It's so individual. I knew that [quarantine] was what I needed to do if I wanted to play in the Big Bash," Billings said.

"It's just kind of crack on. For the guys that have got young families at home - it's only me and my girlfriend at the moment - I think it would've been a lot tougher, that kind of added thing around Christmas.

"For me it was a no-brainer. I had a pretty bad injury last year and missed most of last year. Kind of making up for lost time to play some cricket and get back on it."

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Tuesday: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars at Manuka Oval, 7.15pm.