Ashes 2017-18: Craig Overton Ruled Out of Melbourne Test

Adding the miseries to England camp, the promising fast-bowler Craig Overton is set to miss the Boxing Day Test after fracturing his rib to further dash the hopes of the Three Lions for the imminent comeback in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Ahead of the Ashes Test with Australia already claiming the Urn, England management has given out a confirmation on Sunday (December 24) regarding the unavailability of the 23-year-old.

The medical team believes if Overton would be struck at the same spot where he received the blow might subsequently perforate his lung.

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With the fifth Test also far for from the line, the grave injury further suggests that uncertainty looms large over his pick in the Sydney fixture.

It’s pertinent to mention that, Overton picked the injury when he got hit while batting in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide before writhing in pain during the caught and bowled attempt in the third Test at WACA.

After receiving the multiple blows, Overton had undergone the medical check, as the scan revealed the fracture; however, Overton participated in the game where Australia under the leadership of Steven Smith regained the Ashes in style.

Overton made his international debut with the traditional format while representing their side in the day and night Test in Adelaide where he scored unbeaten 41.

However, on his debut, Overton conceded 116 runs to bag four wickets under his belt and in Perth, he managed to pick two wickets in a bid to take the wickets column to six.

Interesting, Overton has been a prominent face in England’s domestic fold with the red-ball in particular which simultaneously won him the accolades for his ability and the hard work.

With the exclusion of Overton has been confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the youngster in the form of Tom Curran is expected to replace the ill-fated Somerset bowler.

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On the other side, the leg-spinner Mason Crane is also waiting in the wings to leave his impact owing to the variety. The fast bowler Mark Wood could also be the benefactor of Overton’s injury after the former joined the team while he has been marred by injuries which might be playing in the minds of England camp.

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The 22-year-old Cape Town-born seam bowler Curran has already played three Twenty20 Internationals and a solitary One-day international against the Windies, but his set of skills is expected to bring the desired results for the unimpressive Joe Root-led side if he gets picked for the remainder of the series.