Jamie Overton - fighting fit for the season ahead<br>credit: www.ppaul.com

By Richard Latham

ECB Reporters Network

SOMERSET pace bowler Jamie Overton is fighting fit and capable of rivaling twin brother Craig when it comes to future international selection.

That is the view of head coach Jason Kerr as he and director of cricket Andy Hurry prepare for their first season in charge at Taunton.

Kerr is looking forward to seeing the North Devon twins bowl in harness this summer for the first time since the sixth Specsavers County Championship match last year.

For the second successive season, Jamie was ruled out of the second half of the campaign, suffering a stress fracture in his back.

Jamie Overton bowling for Somerset during the 2017 season before injury struck him down againAfter a lengthy recovery period he has been busy rebuilding strength and rhythm to such effect that there are high hopes of him playing a major role in the season ahead.

Kerr said: “Jamie has been fit since the end of February and for the first time in a while has had time to put in a lot of work on his game, both physically and in terms of his skills.

“He has been involved in the ECB pace programme when not based at Taunton and right now he is bowling beautifully, getting back to top speed.

“His injury was unusual because most fast bowler get stress fractures on the left side, whereas his was on the right, but he is fine now and raring to go.”

The 23-year-old Overton twins, who both went through the Devon youth system all the way to the Minor County side,  like nothing more to compete with each other in a friendly rivalry that drives both on.

Since Jamie’s latest injury, Craig has been on an Ashes Tour, making a strong impression before suffering a fractured rib while batting, and was then added to the England one-day squad against New Zealand when Liam Plunkett was forced to pull out with a hamstring problem.

Kerr added: “Craig’s success will only make Jamie more eager to emulate him and he definitely has the talent to do so.”

Somerset’s successful relegation battle in the Championship last summer was aided by turning pitches at Taunton, which suited the spin attack of Jack Leach and Dom Bess.

But Hurry and Kerr have asked the groundstaff to prepare better surfaces for batting in the coming season, while ensuring there is something in them for the seamers, particularly on days one and two.

That will not only suit the Overtons, but also Lewis Gregory, fully fit again after surgery to cure a lingering back problem, and the reliable Tim Groenewald.

Kerr has been delighted by the attitude of the players in the early build-up. This week they have had a two-night stay at Trevose Golf and Country Club in Cornwall.

“It was a chance for everyone to relax for a couple of days and bond together for the hard season ahead,” said the head coach.