Overton takes indefinite break from Test cricket

Jamie Overton, an England international, has announced that he will not play red-ball cricket for the rest of this winter’s Ashes series.

Overton, 31, did not believe his body would support playing in all formats during his fifth Test against India at The Oval in July.

The Surrey pace-bowling all-rounder has only ever played two Tests because of his history of back stress fractures.

It is no longer possible for me to commit to all formats, both physically and mentally, as my career is currently based on a 12-month calendar, Overton wrote on Instagram.

“I will continue to give everything I can to play white-ball cricket as long as I can,” he said. “Going forward, my focus will be on white-ball cricket.”

Overton won’t have been the first name on an Ashes team’s roster, but his choice is significant because he almost certainly would have been a part of England’s plans for an Australian trip.

Overton is admired by the England hierarchy, particularly coach Brendon McCullum, who was recently recalled for the Oval in place of Matthew Potts or Sam Cook, who both played for England in the past.

In an admirable effort with England a bowler down after Chris Woakes’ injury, he took a 2-98 lead in the second innings and went wicketless in the first.

Overton, who only scored 97 in his final Test against New Zealand in 2022, is included in England’s squad for the three-match one-day international series against South Africa, which kicks off on Tuesday at Headingley.

In addition to England’s three-match ODI tour of Ireland starting on September 17th, he will also be playing for the Proteas in the T20s following that.

England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook admitted to being “a little shocked” by the situation.

“I thought he did well in that very last Test at The Oval.”

He bowled rockets and good gas, according to the legend. You must respect that choice, which is shameful.

He’ll be able to concentrate on bolstering his six ODIs, which he included in England’s squad at the Champions Trophy earlier this year, as well as his T20 franchise leagues.

He will still be playing for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League this winter. Last year, he received the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.

Overton has only played five first-class games in the last two years due to injuries and commitments to whiteball.

A break from red-ball cricket is not unexpected in that regard. He can improve his health, lengthen his career, and increase his bank balance on the franchise scene, where he will be in high demand.

On the other hand, it adds another twist to the England Test team’s odd decision-making.

Overton always appeared unworthy for the final Test against India at The Oval despite being a member for the majority of the summer.

His hit-the-deck style did not work with the offered movement. Overton managed just two wickets and ran out nine runs in two innings with the bat, despite admirably assuming his share of the burden when Woakes became injured.

Even if he would have been a long way off the list of options, his bowling style might have been better suited for Australia. One of the four front-row bowlers who didn’t play red-ball cricket in Overton and one of the four that did in England’s final Test before the Ashes was injured, Woakes, is missing.

Despite little evidence to support the suggestion that this should be the case, Overton had surpassed Potts and Cook in the pecking order overall. Potts and Cook likely have a hard time getting past each other.

Later this month, England will announce a squad for the Ashes.

Wood, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse will be the five first-choice fast bowlers, fitness permitting. They will presumably have a strong Ben Stokes to support them. In the main squad, which could be a bolter like Sonny Baker, is likely to be room for one more quick. The Lions will have upgrades available.

It is likely that Overton’s three-year, three-cape career will come to an end, according to him.