Ashes 2017-18: Craig Overton hopes to be fit for Sydney Test

England fast-bowler Craig Overton is thoroughly disappointed to miss out on the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after being ruled out due a rib injury is somewhat confident to set sights on the fifth and final Magellan Ashes Test beginning January 5, 2018, in Sydney.

“Yeah, it’s okay. It’s obviously still bit sore, but doing stuff in the gym and so running around nicely and that’s with a lit bit of a less pain and that’s good. Hopefully, for the next game, I’ll fit,” Overton told ECB in his latest video interview.

Overton, who represented English county side Somerset, struggled during the Perth Test before the scans revealed the 23-year-old suffered rib fracture as the team doctors it might puncture his lung if he kept on playing.

Pertinently, Overton, who claimed six wickets in his first two Tests, got injured in Perth when he suffered a hairline fracture while opting for the caught and bowled chance before falling awkwardly on the WACA surface.

While talking about his recovery, Overton stated he is working out, and it feels good to shape up and to enjoy to be with the team.

“It’s great to be a part of (England camp),” Overton asserted.

Overton rued missing out on the Boxing Day Test, he would have loved to be the part of the playing XI, but it was not meant for him while adding such things push you to work hard and make a decent return.

“This is probably biggest Test of match of the year especially against Aussies (Australia) here (MCG on the Boxing Day in front of the almost 90,000 that would have been special to play. You can’t always be fit and you’re supposed to bounce back,” Overton explained.

Interestingly, Overton revealed he would cherish his first-ever Test wicket which came in the form of Australian skipper Steven during the pink-ball in Adelaide which was also his maiden Test fixture.

“That will be in the memory bank for longtime and I don’t think I will ever forget it. It was the nice one as well and hopefully, I can build on that,” excited Overton remarked.

While talking about his maiden Test experience on the Australian soil, Overton enjoyed being with the national team.

“Yeah, really love it. Obviously, playing in front of the big cards here with the big stadiums it has been really good fun,” Overton added.

The right-arm fast bowler Overton has been excited to feature in the Test fold. He stated it was nice to make an entry and seniors have made the atmosphere comfortable for the youngsters.

“As a kid, you always want to play Test cricket and you know it is always going to be tough and the there have been good group of guys and really welcomed me and including the new faces in the series,” Overton further added.

Overton also hailed the bowling spearhead James Anderson and his new ball partner Stuart Broad for their commitment and determination.

“They are massive to the group and the experience they have and what they bring to the side is (immense),” Overton said.

The promising youngster Overton further reiterated he is looking forward to contributing for England for the long run while watching his senior bowlers as he further believes Anderson and Broad have left little in them while donning the national jersey.

“We are making sure we use the most of that knowledge and trying to make sure to make most of them and even if it is little bit that you can take into my career- they are performing really well for England, but their career is on the shorter side than pretty what mine,” Overton concluded.

The Devon-born Overton in his four innings sent down 354 deliveries in his early Test career which eventually saw him conceding 226 runs for six wickets.