England star takes massive decision on Test future after defeat against India in 5th Test at Kennington Oval

The England bowling all-rounder, Jamie Overton, has decided to quit red-ball cricket for a long period as he has taken an indefinite break from the longest format of the game. In a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), he revealed the decision after ‘a great deal of thought.’

Overton, whose last of the two red-ball encounters came during the recent fifth Test of the five-match series against India at the Kennington Oval in South London, has picked up four wickets and smashed 106 runs in international cricket at an average of 35.33 with the best score of 97 runs against New Zealand.

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“Red-ball, first-class cricket has provided the foundation for my professional career and has been the gateway to every opportunity I’ve had in the game so far. It’s where I learnt the game, and it fueled the goals and ambitions that have driven me for so long.” Overton expressed the statement of the ECB quoted.

Jamie Overton decides to take indefinite break from red-ball cricket

In 99 first-class cricket for the Surrey side, Overton has overall clubbed 2410 runs at an average of 21.51, scoring one century and 13 half-centuries, while with the ball, the right-arm pacer has grabbed 239 wickets at an average of 31.66, thanks to the best bowling figure of 6/61 in an innings with seven five-wicket hauls.

“However, at this stage of my career, with the demands of cricket across a 12-month calendar, it’s no longer possible to commit fully to all formats at every level, both physically and mentally. Going forward, my focus will be on white-ball cricket, and I will continue to give everything to play at the highest level for as long as I can.” The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder addressed.

The 31-year-old’s decision has come just seven weeks before the opening Test of the five-match series against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth for Ashes 2025/26. The national side will now need to find a suitable replacement in the all-rounder’s position for the series down under.