Overton happy to give Ashes a miss

JAMIE Overton has no regrets about taking an indefinite break from red-ball cricket as England’s bid to regain the Ashes looms large on the horizon.

- BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH

The fast bowling all-rounder featured in England’s most recent Test against India at the Kia Oval in July, just his second appearance in the longest format, before announcing his shock hiatus last month.

While he was odds-on to be in England’s squad to face Australia, Overton cited concerns about the physical and mental exertions of playing all three formats as a major factor in his decision.

Overton admitted he has faced a bit of backlash, but having overcome multiple stress fractures in his back, he is content to focus exclusively on the ODI and T20 formats for England for now.

“Obviously I've had a few comments here and there,’ Overton said. “But I feel happy with the decision I made.