Jamie Overton Earns England Call-Up for Oval Test as Pace Options Bolstered

Overton Called Up for Oval Test Against India

Jamie Overton, the fast-bowling all-rounder, has been included in England's 15-man squad for the fifth Test against India. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) made the announcement on Monday.

Jamie Overton's last Test appearance was in June 2022. © Getty

Overton's inclusion brings the number of frontline pace bowlers in the squad to six, joining Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse. This decision follows captain Ben Stokes' acknowledgement of the need for fresh players for the series finale. Stokes himself has appeared uncomfortable at times, while Woakes has played in all four Tests after recovering from an ankle injury. Archer, who returned to the Test team after a four-year absence, has participated in the previous two Tests.

Overton has only played one Test match so far in his career, which was three years ago against New Zealand. The fifth Test is scheduled to commence at The Oval on July 31. England currently holds a 2-1 lead in the series after the fourth Test at Old Trafford concluded in a draw on Sunday.

England Squad for the Fifth Test:

• Ben Stokes (Captain)
• Jofra Archer
• Gus Atkinson
• Jacob Bethell
• Harry Brook
• Brydon Carse
• Zak Crawley
• Liam Dawson
• Ben Duckett
• Jamie Overton
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• Jamie Smith
• Josh Tongue
• Chris Woakes