The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Overton in for England to replace injured Anderson
Seamer returns after 18-month gap for crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford
England are banking on the recalled Craig Overton to step into a role they had earmarked for record wicket-taker James Anderson during the hotlyanticipated fourth Ashes Test.
With the score tied at 1-1 after Ben Stokes’ miracle of Headingley, the hosts were desperately hoping to counteract the return of Australia’s best batsman, Steve Smith, with a comeback for their king of swing at his Old Trafford stomping ground.
But Anderson’s calf trouble has not cleared and he has instead been ruled out of the series. With Mark Wood also injured and the incumbent Chris Woakes overlooked, 6ft 5in seamer Overton has been thrust into the spotlight 18 months after winning the last of his three Test caps.
The 25-year-old may have just seven wickets to Anderson’s tally of 575 but the first of those was Smith, clean bowled by an inswinger during the day/ night Adelaide Test in 2017.
“He’s a competitor,” said Root. “You saw him come into Ashes cricket on debut and straight away he looked very much at home and got himself in a battle. I’m expecting him to do just that this week.
“The extra bounce of a taller bowler gives us a different option on a ground that does perform slightly differently. I feel like that will balance our attack really well in these conditions.
“He’s got good control, good skills and moves the ball of the straight. I expect him to cause some issues for the Australian batters.”
The only other change to the England side that chased down their record fourth-innings target of 359 by one wicket in Leeds is one of position.
Jason Roy will move down to four after an unsuccessful trial at the top of the order, swapping places with Joe Denly following the latter’s gritty halfcentury last time out.
Root had previously backed Roy as an opener but admitted the returns were simply not enough to justify a continuation of the experiment.
“It’s not gone exactly how we’d have liked and he hasn’t scored the runs he would have liked,” said the skipper.
“As before we’re trying to find a formula at the top of the order that works for us. Jason is a high quality player and could be better suited to four.
“We all know what he can do when he gets himself in.”