Overton will replace Anderson for Test debut
James Anderson will miss England’s final Test against New Zealand due to an ankle problem.
Captain Ben Stokes confirmed the 39-year-old would miss the third Test at Headingley.
Surrey seamer Jamie Overton will make his Test debut in Anderson’s stead, with Stokes unsure of the severity of the veteran pace bowler’s injury.
Stokes revealed Overton’s inclusion as England’s sole change for the final New ZealandTest,withhistwinbrother Craig missing out on a cap.
“Unfortunately, Jimmy’s not pulled up as well as we would have liked him to, so Jamie Overton’s going to make his debut this week,” Stokes said. “It’s unfortunate for Jimmy, but we’ve got a massive testagainstIndiacomingupas well. I’m not too sure how serious it is to be honest. He’s just got a bit of a puffy ankle.
“Jamie’s been very impressive, the way that he’s bowled, we always want a point of difference in our side, bowling with serious pace and changing games as well.
“He fills a different role fromJimmy,buttohavesomeone in your back pocket who can bowl 90 miles an hour is big for us.
“That’s the only change this week. As tempting as it was to get both twins out there playing for England, Jamie’s the only change.”
England have already won the series after impressive victories in the opening two matches. But new captain Stokes has told his players to go for the jugular in Leeds this week. England blasted their way to victory in the second Test in Nottingham thanks to a virtuoso last day’s batting, Jonny Bairstow hitting 136 and Stokes an unbeaten 75 as the hosts chased down their target of 299.