BBL15 draft: Jamie Overton selected in England squad for India Test series

Adelaide Strikers have started work on contingency plans after their star all-rounder Jamie Overton was parachuted into England’s Test squad after a three-year absence.

Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes will have a huge say on Adelaide Strikers’ plans for this summer as they face the possibility of star all-rounder Jamie Overton being selected for the Ashes.

Overton was a surprise inclusion in England’s squad for its series against India which starts this week, more than three years after playing his only Test against New Zealand.

The 31-year-old has been the linchpin of Adelaide’s side for the past two BBL campaigns, taking 27 wickets and scoring 276 runs in 18 matches.

“We were kind of already planning towards that potential anyway given the way we know that Brendon and Ben want to play their cricket,” Strikers coach Tim Paine said.

“I feel like Jamie’s a pretty good cricketer, particularly in Australian conditions. I think his bowling will come into its own here.

Jamie Overton is a chance to feature in England’s Ashes squad.

Overton has been a key figure for the Strikers in the past two seasons.

“Someone who’s as tall as he is and as quick as he is, I think we can be a real weapon for England in the Ashes, with both bat and ball.

“He’s clearly a super aggressive batter as well, which they love. For his size he’s super agile and good in the field. He’s a great package for England cricket and I’m sure when he plays this week, hopefully, and if he does come out for the Ashes he’ll do a great job.”

While Overton will be selected in Thursday’s BBL draft, Paine conceded the Strikers were already working on contingency plans.

“We have got lots of contingency options and a lot of that will centre around Jamie because that can change the whole set-up of our team,” he said.

Overton was called up due to fellow all-rounder Gus Atkinson’s hamstring injury.

The Strikers are expected to target a pace bowler or all-rounder in the international draft, having lost Test squad member Brendan Doggett to Melbourne Renegades.

Jake Weatherald (Hurricanes) has also departed, with breakout all-rounder Liam Scott and South Australian Sheffield Shield hero Jason Sangha set for middle-order roles in BBL15.

The former Test captain said he was eyeing more coaching opportunities as he approaches his second season in charge of Adelaide.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my first year in charge of the Strikers. Probably a bit more stressful than being the assistant, which was an absolute blast, I must admit” he said.

“I’ve got a real taste for it now. I think probably 12 months ago when I was starting out you’re never quite sure how you’re going to go or how you’re going to react when you’re in that seat. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

“For me now, it’s about filling up the calendar, getting some more experiences under my belt – whether it’s as an assistant or a head coach in other programs – and just trying to get as many hours in coaching as I possibly can.

“Loving doing the role with the Strikers and can’t wait to get back there in sort of December this year.”