Overton takes indefinite break from red-ball cricket, rules out Ashes

England allrounder Jamie Overton announced on Monday that he is taking an indefinite break from redball cricket, a decision he said was driven by the physical and mental demands of a year-round schedule. The 31 year old made the announcement on X, and the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the move in a press release. The decision rules him out of England's forthcoming Ashes tour to Australia, which opens at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21.

"After a great deal of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from redball cricket," Overton said in the statement. "At this stage of my career, with the demands of cricket across a 12 month calendar, it is no longer possible to commit fully to all formats at every level, both physically and mentally. Going forward, my focus will be on whiteball cricket, and I will continue to give everything to play at the highest level for as long as I can."

Overton has played 99 first class matches for Surrey and Somerset and has twice represented England in Test cricket. He made his Test debut against New Zealand at Headingley in June 2022, when he produced a notable innings of 97, and his most recent Test appearance was against...