Jamie Overton takes indefinite break from cricket, out of Ashes as he cannot give enough to the game physically and mentally.
Jamie Overton out of Ashes amid ‘indefinite break’ from red-ball cricket.
An “indefinite break from red-ball cricket” has been declared by Jamie Overton, the fast bowler for Surrey and England who was a regular member of the Test team during this summer’s series against India. Harry Brook, his white-ball captain and Test teammate, is “shocked” by the decision, which effectively disqualifies him from the Ashes campaign this winter.
In July, the 31-year-old Overton played the second and final Test match at The Oval, taking two wickets in the second innings of England’s exciting six-run defeat. In 2022, during the first summer under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s leadership of the England squad, he struck a game-changing 97 at Headingley in collaboration with Jonny Bairstow.
Overton was almost guaranteed to be included in England’s Ashes squad despite his few appearances because of his robust motion, sturdy frame, and ability to bowl at 90 mph. These are all attributes that the selectors have been identifying in their bid to win in Australia for the first time since 2010-11.
He did, however, explain his reasoning for the unexpected choice in an interview with the Telegraph, stating that it was “no longer possible to commit fully to all formats at every level, both physically and mentally” at this point in his career. He has spent the last two seasons with the Adelaide Strikers, for whom he was voted MVP earlier this year for his total of 11 wickets and 191 runs at 95.50, and he will be in Australia this winter as a member of their Big Bash team.
“After a great deal of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket,” Overton said. “I feel very fortunate to have played 99 first-class matches, including two Test matches for England. Red-ball, first-class cricket has provided the foundation for my professional career and has been the gateway to every opportunity I’ve had in the game so far. It’s where I learnt the game, and it fuelled the goals and ambitions that have driven me for so long.
“However, at this stage of my career, with the demands of cricket across a 12-month calendar, it’s no longer possible to commit fully to all formats at every level, both physically and mentally. Going forward, my focus will be on white-ball cricket, and I will continue to give everything to play at the highest level for as long as I can.”