Devon Cricket Board - Craig Overton proving fitness with England Lions

Craig Overton proving fitness with England Lions

SOMERSET all-rounder Craig Overton is hoping to have a bat for England Lions as they chase a series win over Pakistan A in Dubai on Monday.

The Lions went 2-0 up in the five-match series on Friday when they beat Pakistan by 69 runs at the ICC Global Cricket Academy ground.

Overton, who plays for North Devon when his Somerset commitments allow, didn’t get a bat in the five-wicket win over Pakistan in the series opener – and wasn’t required in today's (Friday) victory either.

Although Overton has contributed with the ball – and took and important catch in the second game to help dispatch top scorer Fahkar Zaman for 61 – he has missed having a bat.

“I started out as a batsman but have not batted in either game yet so would like to get out there,” said Overton.
“It is good that I have been able to contribute by getting wickets and the important thing is to win the series.
“We need one more win to do it – hopefully we can win all three of our remaining games.
“If we keep doing what we are doing, we have a very good chance.”
The Lions tour to the United Arab Emirates is a fresh start for Overton, who had an up-and-down time of it in 2015.
He had leg injury problems in South Africa at the start of the year, which forced him home early from the Lions’ tour there.
And he dipped out of a twenty20 series against Pakistan before Christmas due to a elbow injury.
In between the injuries Overton had a storming season for Somerset, taking 47 First Class wickets at an average in the low 20s.
Having come through two Lions games without any problems, Overton is hoping a new chapter has begun.

“It has been all good so far,” said Overton.

“My elbow problems were before Christmas but I have not felt a thing while being out here.”

While Craig is clearly on the way back to fitness, twin Jamie has had to leave the Lions tour due to a foot injury.
Jamie clubbed a rapid half-century in a warm-up game against a UAE side, then felt a pain in one of his toes while bowling.
The problem resurfaced in the nets on Wednesday and scan revealed soft tissue damage.
“Jamie is on the way home to get it sorted but he will by okay before the start of the season,” said Craig.
The Lions made 314 for five in their 50 overs – David Malan biffing 114 off 109 balls.
Pakistan A were all out for 245 with more than five overs to go. – Hampshire’s Liam Dawson and Middlesex’s Toby Roland-Jones taking three wickets each.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773