Photo Credit: The Hundred
All-rounder Jamie Overton was “literally delighted” when his name was read out by Adelaide Strikers Head Coach Jason Gillespie at the BBL Draft last Sunday.
BBL|13 will be Overton’s first in the Big Bash and he cannot wait to get over to Adelaide and start entertaining the crowds.
With a career strike rate of 174.77, The Hundred’s most recent Player of the Tournament will certainly do that.
“I’m very delighted to get picked up by the Strikers, they’re obviously a great franchise and I’m very much looking forward to getting over and get going,” Overton said.
“I’ve been watching for probably five or six years on the TV – it looks a great tournament to be a part of and I can’t wait to get to ‘Aus’, give it a real crack and try get us to the finals.
“The way I like to play cricket is quite positive and I try and take the game on a little bit, whether that’s with the ball or with the bat.
“I try and take the positive option which sometimes doesn’t always work, but I think it’s quite an entertaining prospect.
“Hopefully the crowd can get behind it and we’ll make it fun for everyone.”
Overton comes from a big cricketing family, with his twin brother Craig also an English international.
They both got involved in the game thanks to their dad, who was the first team captain at the local cricket club, so the twins were at the club from age five facing balls from their dad.
Overton then played for his home club North Devon Cricket Club and rose through the ranks, making his First-Class debut for Somerset at 18 years old. He now plays for Surrey.
In June 2022, Overton made his Test debut for England, which unsurprisingly was a career highlight and one to be remembered.
“I would have to say making my Test debut and getting my cap from my brother,” he said.
“I would have liked to have bowled a bit better and it would have been nice to get 100 but getting 97 on debut, I don’t think you can complain about that,
“Contributing to win, that’s the most important thing, so I was happy with how I went.”
Overton will be looking to replicate this feat in the Strikers opening round match on Saturday, December 14 at Adelaide Oval.
Whilst he hasn’t yet been to Adelaide, he has heard about the Oval’s short boundaries.
“I play with [former Striker] Dan Worrall at Surrey and he says it’s a great ground,” Overton said.
“He said I’d absolutely love it there because both square boundaries are a bit shorter, so I can’t wait to get there really.”
Don’t miss Overton’s Strikers debut – get your tickets now.
