English pacer Jamie Overton has announced an ‘indefinite break’ from red-ball cricket, which essentially rules him out of Ashes selection. Overton, who was added to the fifth Test squad against India for the first time since his debut in 2022, was almost a certain starter for the Ashes this year. The decision, he said, was taken to ensure he is ‘mentally and physically’ focused on white-ball cricket.
Besides his appearance in the fifth Test at the Oval, Overton has only one other Test to his name, which came against New Zealand in 2022. He took two wickets across both innings in that game, and also chipped in with an incredible 97-run knock to rescue England after a collapse.
“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.”
His ability to clock 90mph made him a valuable addition in Australian conditions, but England’s white-ball captain, Harry Brook, has called for respecting the pacer’s decision. Overton is currently with England’s white-ball squad in Headingley, after finishing the Hundred season as a key player for London Spirit.
“A little bit shocked to be honest,” Brook said. “I thought he did well in that last Test, he bowled quick. Obviously, you’ve got to respect that decision that he’s going to have a little bit of a break from red-ball cricket. Hopefully, at some point, we’ll see him again in the future.
“I’d heard rumours, but I hadn’t heard it from him until today. You’ve just got to respect the decision. He obviously doesn’t feel like he wants to play red-ball cricket at the moment, and we can’t do anything about it. He’s made the decision now, but it’s unfortunate. I thought he did really well in that last Test match, and it would have been nice to have him there in the Ashes.”
When asked if he thinks that Overton focusing fully on one format could benefit England, Brook acknowledged that his skills can help solve a few conundrums for the white-ball sides.
“Absolutely,” he said. “When he is fully fit and firing he bowls thunderbolts and he can whack it out of the park. Hopefully he can upskill even more from what he’s got now and be the best white-ball player he can be.”
Overton was recalled for the Test squad after playing one game with Surrey this year. With injuries keeping him away from action, his availability for first-class games has been sporadic.
Rob Key, England Men’s director of cricket, said: “Jamie’s news came unexpected and it is sad to see, as he would have been part of our red-ball plans for the foreseeable future. That said, it serves as a reminder of the cricketing landscape we now operate in. We respect his decision and are grateful to him for informing us when he did.”
