Devon Cricket Board - England Lions call for Craig Overton

England Lions call for Craig Overton

CRAIG Overton has been named in the England Lions squad for the forthcoming triangular one -day series involving Sri Lanka A, New Zealand A and themselves.
The 20 year old, who missed most of 2013 through injury, is enjoying his best season for Somerset and so far and in the Championship he has scored 306 runs at an average of 34, with a best of 99 and taken 32 wickets at 28.18.
This isn't the first time that Craig has been involved with the Lions as he went with them to Australia the winter before last.
Overton said he wasn't expecting England to come calling, which made it a bit more special.
'After missing the whole of last season its good to have a call up like this,' said Overton, who still turns out from time to time for North Devon CC.
'It is what I wanted really so I have just got to carry on about my business and keep performing the way that I am.
'With the first game being at Taunton I hope that there will be a bit of a crowd and people might travel up from North Devon so hope I will be playing.'
Dave Nosworthy, the Somerset director of cricket, said: 'Obviously I am really happy for Craig and he deserves it.
'After last season when he had a few injury issues, Craig has had to work really hard in the off-season.
'It's really pleasing to see him get his opportunity again and no doubt this will just be part of his long-term apprenticeship to get to the level he really wants to get to.'
The six match series starts on Tuesday, August 5 when New Zealand A take on Sri Lanka A at the County Ground in Taunton.
The following day the Lions host Sri Lanka A also at the County Ground, so Overton's first match could be on his own home turf.
The final match of the series is on August 12 when the Lions play New Zealand at New Road in Worcester.

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