With focus on white-ball cricket, Englands Overton announces break from Tests
Overton has played in two Tests, six ODIs and 12 T20s for England since 2022 but he believes his body can't sustain the workload if he continues to play in all formats.
New Delhi: In order to manage his workload, England all-rounder Jamie Overton has decided to go an indefinite break from Test cricket that ruled him out of Ashes series later this year.
The 31-year-old was part of the England team that lost to India in the fifth Test at The Oval in July that resulted in the five-match series being shared 2-2.
Overton has played in two Tests, six ODIs and 12 T20s for England since 2022 but he believes his body can't sustain the workload if he continues to play in all formats.
The pace-bowling all-rounder has earlier suffered from back stress fractures that has prevented him from playing more than two Tests.
"At this stage of my career across a 12-month calendar, it is no longer possible to commit to all formats at every level, both physically and mentally," Overton said on Instagram.
"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."
Ashes series vital
Though not a first-choice option, Overton would have been considered for selection for England's trip to Australia for the Ashes series.
In the fifth Test, he was wicketless in the first innings but took 2-98 in the second, after which he suffered from a shoulder issue.
Overton is part of the England squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa that begins on Tuesday and is also part of the team in the T20s after a three-match ODI tour of Ireland from 17 September.
He was in the English squad for the ODI Champions Trophy in February-March and has played for various franchises in T20 franchise leagues globally.
He plays for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and recently turned out for London Spirit in The Hundred, apart from representing Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash.