England all-rounder takes indefinite break from red-ball cricket

Originally posted on Guerilla Cricket | By Aryan Surana | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 7:45 AM ET

Jamie Overton, England’s pace bowling all-rounder, announced via a post on social media on Monday, September 1, that he is taking an indefinite break from red-ball cricket.

Overton, who made his Test debut in 2022, has earned two Test caps, with his last outing coming at the Oval against India in the recently-concluded home series. The all-rounder picked only two wickets and scored nine runs across two innings of the Test.

His first-class career, which began with Surrey in 2012, has been significantly more decorated, with the 31-year-old scoring 2,410 runs at an average of 21.51, including a ton and 13 fifties. With the ball, he has claimed 239 wickets at an average of 31.66 in 99 matches.

Overton wrote, “After a great deal of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from red ball cricket. I feel extremely fortunate to have played 99 first-class matches, including two Test matches for England.

“Red-ball, first-class cricket has provided the foundation for my professional career and has been the gateway to every opportunity I’ve ever had in the game so far. It’s where I learned the game, and it fuelled the goals and ambitions that have driven me for so long.

“However, at this stage of my career with demands of cricket across a 12-month calender, 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.”

Overton first represented an England Test team in Leeds, against New Zealand, and had to wait three more years for his second appearance. He has also been a T20 globetrotter, plying his trade in Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, ILT20 and The Hundred. In the 2025 season, he played six matches for London Spirit, bagging eight wickets.

This article first appeared on Guerilla Cricket and was syndicated with permission.

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