Overton: We’ll keep on fighting to the very end
CRAIG OVERTON is fit, firing and full of belief England can turn the Ashes series on its head with victory at the WACA next week.
The Somerset seamer made an encouraging Test debut in Adelaide, taking four wickets, scoring 48 runs with the bat and producing a fine catch in the field to dismiss Tim Paine as Australia were bowled out for 138 in their second innings.
But the 120-run defeat has put England 2-0 down and searching for their first Test victory in Perth since 1978 to get back in the series.
Overton, 23, knows history is against Joe Root’s men, but after such an encouraging debut – that also saw him hit in the ribs by Pat Cummins batting on the final day – he is full of confidence for the task ahead.
“Yes, it was good fun,” Overton said. “Obviously, it was a bit disappointing with the result, but we can compete with them. We are confident going to Perth that we can perform well and win the game. We are not panicking yet.
“We have shown glimpses in the two games that we are not that far off. We have got the confidence that we can actually win a Test match in Australia.We are not too downbeat about what we can achieve out here and are confident we can get a result – then the series is back on.
“Perth is a tough place to go and we obviously haven’t won there in however many years, but as a group we are sticking together and we are confident of getting a result.”
Overton has been given the all-clear by England’s medical team after sustaining that blow to the ribs in Adelaide and is expected to take his place in an unchanged team for Perth.
“It’s a bit sore but I’ll be fine, it’s just a bit bruised,” he said. “We’ll see how it is in a couple of days’ time. I haven’t had a scan or anything but we think it’s just bruising so we are not too worried.”
Overton will be rested for this weekend’s tour match against a Cricket Australia XI in Perth, with Moeen Ali, made captain for the two-day game at Richardson Park, the only member of England’s XI in Adelaide playing.
“I think it’s a sensible decision given the amount of overs we bowled this game,” said Overton. “We can have three or four days off and make sure we are ready for that Test match in Perth.”
WORCESTERSHIRE allrounder Alex Hepburn appeared in court yesterday accused of raping a woman.
The 21-year-old Australian is facing two counts relating to an alleged offence which took part in Worcester on April 1.
Hepburn, who wore a grey suit, white shirt and grey tie, spoke only to confirm his name, address and nationality before being told that the case could only be dealt with at Crown Court.
His solicitor, Jason Patel, made no indication as to a plea on behalf of his client and Hepburn was released on unconditional bail to appear before Worcester Crown Court on January 4.
Hepburn, who has yet to play first-class cricket for Worcestershire, has been suspended by his club on full pay.
Worcestershire refused to comment any further on proceedings, but did confirm they were in the process of dealing with a disciplinary matter involving director of cricket Steve Rhodes, who has been accused of withholding information from the club in relation to the Hepburn case.