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England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on Wednesday, announced the playing XI for the upcoming third and final Test of the ongoing three-match series against New Zealand at Headingley in Leeds, starting June 23.
Veteran pacer James Anderson, who claimed 11 wickets at 18.63 in the first two Tests, will miss the third Test due to an ankle injury. Though, experts also reckon that Anderson’s availability is because of the next week’s delayed fifth Test against India at Edgbaston, which will begin three days after the Headingley match, as England will look to win to draw the series which the visitors are leading 2-1.
Jamie Overton will make his Test debut against New Zealand in place of Anderson. Notably, Jamie’s twin brother Craig Overton is already part of the English squad, but the fans would still have to wait to see the twin brothers playing together as Craig couldn’t find his place in the final XI.
Notably, Jamie’s debut came as reward for a tremendous season he had with Surrey, where the fast bowler claimed 21 wickets at 21, and consistently bowled in excess of 90mph.
“Unfortunately, Jimmy’s not pulled up as much as we’d like to, so Jamie Overton is going to make his debut this week,” Ben Stokes confirmed during his pre-match presser.
England’s playing XI for the third Test against New Zealand:
Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (captain), Ben Foakes (wk), Matthew Potts, Jamie Overton, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach
