Jamie Overton is ready to make his England Test debut in the third and final test of the 3-match series against the current World Test Champions New Zealand at Headingley, captain Ben Stokes made the announcement on Wednesday.
Overton joined the XI after England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson was ruled out due to an ankle injury.
Jamie Overton has established himself after playing some quality cricket in the current County Championship with strong bowling. He took 21 wickets in five games while playing for Surrey.
England has a commanding 2-0 lead against the world Test champions after victories by five wickets at Lord’s Trent Bridge.
“Unfortunately Jimmy’s not pulled up as well as we would have liked him too, so Jamie Overton’s going to make his debut this week,” Stokes told Sky Sports.
“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, to be honest. He’s just got a bit of a puffy ankle.
“Jamie’s been very impressive, the way that he’s bowled. We always want a point of difference in our side, bowling with serious pace and changing games as well.”
He added: “That’s the only change this week. As tempting as it was to get both twins out there playing for England, Jamie’s the only change.”
England, who have already won the 3-match series against New Zealand will try to keep up the confidence as from the next they will have to face the Indian challenge.
The India tour of England will start on July 1, where both teams will lock horns for the one-off test that is the final test of the last year’s series in which India was ahead by 2-1. The game was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian camp and the game will now be played from July 1 at the Edgbaston.
After the one-off test match, both teams will face each other in the 3ODIs and 3 T20Is.
