Jamie bowls out brother to earn debut
JAMIE Overton will make his England debut in the Headingley Test against New Zealand today after edging out twin brother Craig as a replacement for the injured James Anderson.
Record wicket-taker Anderson, 39, has been withdrawn after experiencing pain in his ankle following backto-back appearances at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, the only change to the home XI.
Jamie Overton has had to wait his turn to follow his identical sibling into full international cricket, with Craig winning eight Test caps and four in one-day internationals, but he has finally edged ahead after earning his maiden call-up to the squad this week.
The Surrey quick is the younger twin by a matter of three minutes but boasts a different style to Craig’s reliable line and length, favouring a more explosive, speed-orientated method that could help England fill the void left by long-term absentees Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and Olly Stone.
Captain Ben Stokes named the team during his pre-match media round, ending concerns over his own fitness.
The all-rounder missed training due to illness on Tuesday, but a pair of negative Covid tests, followed by a full net session was enough to dispel any concerns.
“It’s unfortunate for Jimmy, but we’ve got a massive Test against India coming up as well. I’m not too sure how serious it is. He’s just got a bit of a puffy ankle,’’ said Stokes.
“Jamie’s been very impressive in the way 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 from Jimmy, but to have someone in your back pocket who can bowl 90 miles an hour is big for us.”
England have already won the series after impressive victories in the opening two matches – but Stokes has told his players to go for the jugular in Leeds and put on a show.
“I’ve said to the players, let’s try and think like we’re in the entertainment business rather than the sporting business,” he said. “So I set a challenge to the team to be even more fearless than last week.”