Craig Overton ready to step up if selected for first Ashes Test
Saturday 11 November 2017 10:50, UK
Craig Overton is confident he will be ready if called up for his Test debut when England take on Australia at Brisbane later this month.
The Somerset man took 3-15 in the second innings of England's 192-run win over a Cricket Australia XI on Saturday.
The 23-year-old could be a part of England's bowling attack for the first Ashes Test against Australia, with Jake Ball having been ruled out of the final warm-up game due to a ligament injury.
Asked if he felt ready for Test duty, Overton told Sky Sports: "I would like to think so, but I have still got a bit of work to do. It is still a work in progress but I am taking that as it comes.
"I think there is always going to be massive pressure on the bowling, even if we had everyone fully fit. The people who are fit are going to have to step forward and make the most of it.
"It is just making sure that I bowl the best I can when I get the chance and hopefully that is good enough. I feel confident that it is good enough, so it is just making sure I take the chance when it comes."
England play another Cricket Australia XI in Townsville next week and Overton says a more competitive game would be ideal ahead of the Ashes opener, which starts on November 23.
"You would obviously like to face probably a little bit quicker bowling and get used to what we are likely to face in the Test match," said the England man. "But that is the way it goes sometimes.
"I think we would all like a harder game but we might play well and win easily again. It is just making sure when we play we are on top and dominating the game."
