File image of James Anderson© AFP
Jamie Overton will make his England debut in the third and final game of the New Zealand series at Headingley, captain Ben Stokes announced on Wednesday. Overton replaces tempo teammates James Anderson after England’s all-time top test catcher was disqualified with an ankle injury. England took a 2-0 lead over the World Test champions, following a five-goal win at Lord and Trent Bridge. Jamie Overton’s pick for the match, which begins on Thursday, means his twin brother, Craig, misses out.
Stokes told Sky Sports: “Unfortunately, Jimmy wasn’t as popular as we would have liked, so Jamie Overton is coming out this week.
“Unfortunately for Jimmy, but we also have a big test with India coming up. I’m not sure how serious it is, to be honest. He just has a little swollen ankle.
“Jamie plays impressively, the way he does bowling. We always wanted to have a point of difference on our side, bowling at a serious pace and the games were always changing.”
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He added: “That’s the only change this week. It’s fascinating to have both twins out there playing for England, Jamie is the only change.”
Stokes was absent from training on Tuesday after feeling unwell, having to postpone his trip to Leeds on a precautionary basis but he joined the group on Wednesday.
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