ENG vs NZ: Jimmy's Not Pulled Up As Much As We'd Like To So Jamie Overton Is Going To Make His Debut - Ben Stokes

England captain Ben Stokes, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, announced that veteran pacer James Anderson has been ruled out of the upcoming third Test against New Zealand after suffering from an ankle injury. England have won the first two Test matches of the series and will hope for a white-wash at Leeds, Headingley.

Stokes, who had himself been a concern after missing training through illness on Tuesday, came through a training session on Wednesday morning after linking up with the squad. Anderson claimed 11 wickets at 18.63 in the first two Tests to reaffirm his status as England’s attack leader.

The England management has decided to have hit sit out the third Test match against New Zealand to give him time to heal for the next week’s delayed fifth Test against India at Edgbaston, which gets underway three days after the conclusion of the Headingley match. England needs to win that Test match to draw level in the series which India currently leads 2-1.

“Unfortunately, Jimmy’s not pulled up as much as we’d like to so Jamie Overton is going to make his debut this week. It’s unfortunate for Jimmy, but we’ve got a massive test against India coming up as well. I’m not too sure how serious it is to be honest. He’s just got a bit of a puffy ankle,” Stokes told Sky Sports.

Under the previous regime, Stuart Broad might have been considered for a rest after back-to-back fixtures, but in keeping with England’s new policy of picking their best available XI for each game, he will continue as the seam attack’s senior presence.

Jamie Overton To Make His Test Debut; However, Craig Overton Remains On Sidelines

In James Anderson’s place, fast bowler Jamie Overton will make his Test debut. However, this means England will not, after all, field twins in the same Test for the first time in their history, with Jamie’s brother Craig remaining on the sidelines.

“Jamie’s been very impressive, the way that he’s bowled. We always want a point of difference in our side, bowling with serious pace and changing games as well. That’s the only change this week. As tempting as it was to get both twins out there playing for England, Jamie’s the only change,” Stokes added.

Jamie Overton’s debut comes four-and-a-half years after his brother Craig made his first England Test appearance. He is being rewarded for his performance for Surrey where he has claimed 21 wickets at 21, and consistently bowled in excess of 90mph/145kph.

England XI for the third Test against New Zealand:

Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (WK), Jamie Overton, Stuart Broad, Matt Potts, Jack Leach.

Our XI for the third LV= Insurance Test against @BLACKCAPS

A Test debut for @JamieOverton ?

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— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 22, 2022

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