ENG v NZ, 3rd Test: Jamie Overton to debut, Anderson to miss out

Jamie Overton will make his England Test debut in the third Test against New Zealand at Headingley; James Anderson has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

Published : Jun 22, 2022 16:52 IST

Jamie Overton (right) and brother Craig at a nets session on Tuesday at Headingley.

Jamie Overton will make his England Test debut in the third and final match of the New Zealand series at Headingley, captain Ben Stokes announced on Wednesday.

Overton replaces fellow paceman James Anderson after England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker was ruled out with an ankle injury. England has an unassailable 2-0 lead against the world Test champion, following five-wicket wins at Lord's and Trent Bridge .

Jamie Overton's selection for the match, which starts on Thursday, means his twin brother, Craig, misses out.

“Unfortunately Jimmy's not pulled up as well as we would have liked him to, so Jamie Overton's going to make his debut this week,” Stokes told Sky Sports .

‘Unfortunately Jimmy's not pulled up as well as we would have liked him to, so Jamie Overton's going to make his debut this week.’

“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.”

Stokes was absent from practice nets on Tuesday after feeling unwell, delaying his trip to Leeds on a precautionary basis but he joined the group on Wednesday.

Stokes urges England to continue with aggressive approach

“I was pretty simple and clear in the dressing room. Let's try and think like we're in the entertainment business rather than the sporting business... there's a reason why 20,000 people came out to watch us at Trent Bridge last week. So I set a challenge to the team to be even more fearless, positive and aggressive than last week.”

- REUTERS