England hand Jamie Overton Test debut against New Zealand today | But no place for twin Craig in final XI

JAMIE Overton will be handed a Test debut against New Zealand today (Thursday) as England add pace to their attack in the absence of the injured James Anderson.

Overton  played for North Devon CC in the Devon League and went through the Devon age-group system from under-10 upwards. He represented Devon in Minor Counties cricket between 2011-2014.

“Jimmy's not pulled up as well as we would have liked him to so Jamie Overton's going to make his debut this week,” said Stokes.

“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.

“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. He fills a different role from Jimmy, but to have someone in your back pocket who can bowl 90 miles an hour is big for us.”

But there is no place in the team for twin brother Craig, who first played for England back in 2018. Otherwise the team is the same one that defeated New Zealand at Trent Bridge last week.

Jamie was informed yesterday he would be playing in the final Test at Headingley when Anderson was ruled out by an ankle injury. 

England did not want to risk Anderson ahead of the looming series against India that starts next week and decided to see what Overton could do at the next level up. Matthew Potts and Stuart Broad will use the new ball with Overton first change. 

Overton has played for England under-19s, England Lions, an ECB XI against India and in a full-scale England trial game, but never in the Test team.