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Dive deep into the cricketing journey of Craig Overton, from his early days to his notable achievements. Discover the statistics that define his legacy in the world of cricket. , he narrowly missed out on a maiden first-class century, getting dismissed at 99.

In 2015, Craig emerged as Somerset's leading wicket-taker in both the County Championship and the One Day Cup, with 47 and 12 wickets, respectively. His batting form in the longer format was commendable, averaging 28.38 in 16 County Championship innings. However, this year also saw a controversial incident where Overton was reported for using abusive language during a match against Sussex. The incident led to a two-match ban, but Craig's spirit remained undeterred.

2016 was another fruitful year for Overton. He scored over 400 runs and took 34 wickets in the County Championship. A highlight of this year was his maiden first-class century against Hampshire, where he scored a swift 138. This innings was part of a record-breaking 217-run stand for the eighth wicket with Roelof van der Merwe, setting a new benchmark for Somerset.

Notable Achievements and Statistics

Craig Overton's achievements are not just limited to domestic cricket. His international journey began with the England Under-19s, where he played 16 youth ODIs between 2011 and 2012, scoring 350 runs and taking 14 wickets.

His consistent performances in domestic cricket earned him his first international call-up in June 2015 as a cover for Chris Jordan for England's ODI against New Zealand. In 2017, he was named in England's squad for the prestigious Ashes series. Making his Test debut in December 2017 against Australia, Craig claimed the prized wicket of Australian captain Steve Smith as his first Test scalp.

In the ODI format, Craig made his debut for England against Australia in June 2018. His adaptability was evident when he was brought in as a nightwatchman during the fourth 2019 Ashes Test after the early dismissal of Joe Denly.

Craig's career statistics are a testament to his all-round capabilities:

Test Matches: Played 8, scored 182 runs with a batting average of 15.16, and took 21 wickets at a bowling average of 36.19.

ODIs: Played 7, scored 68 runs with a batting average of 22.66, and claimed 5 wickets at a bowling average of 58.20.

First-Class Matches: Played 125, scored 3,384 runs with a batting average of 21.01, and took a whopping 438 wickets at an impressive average of 23.52.

List A Matches: Played 75, scored 824 runs with a batting average of 22.27, and claimed 95 wickets at an average of 32.16.

In April 2022, Craig achieved a significant milestone by taking his 400th wicket in first-class cricket during the County Championship.

Craig Overton's Unique Style and Approach

Craig Overton's style, both as a bowler and batsman, is a blend of traditional techniques and modern adaptability. His approach to the game is rooted in his early days in Devon, where he honed his skills alongside his twin brother, Jamie.

Bowling Style:

Craig's bowling is characterized by a high-arm action, reminiscent of England's Stuart Broad. This action, combined with his towering height of 6 ft 5 in, allows him to extract extra bounce from the pitch, often catching batsmen off guard. Unlike many modern-day bowlers who rely heavily on pace, Craig's strength lies in his ability to bowl a consistently probing line and length. His medium-fast deliveries, often swinging both ways, challenge the batsmen's technique and patience. This ability to move the ball, especially in English conditions, has made him a potent force in county cricket and a valuable asset for the national side.

Batting Style:

As an all-rounder, Craig's batting cannot be overlooked. He possesses a solid technique, which he has showcased in crucial innings for Somerset and England. His ability to play both the short ball and the swinging delivery makes him a reliable lower-order batsman. Overton's innings of 86 against Sussex and 99 against Lancashire, followed by a maiden hundred against Hampshire, are testaments to his batting prowess. His approach is a mix of patience and aggression, making him a versatile player capable of adapting to different match situations.

Mental Fortitude:

Beyond the technical aspects, Craig's mental approach to the game is commendable. Despite facing disciplinary issues early in his career, he showcased resilience and maturity, seeking guidance from psychotherapist Abbie Kench to refine his mental approach. This mental fortitude was evident when he made his debut in the high-pressure environment of the Ashes series, claiming the wicket of the formidable Steve Smith.

Craig Overton's journey in the world of cricket is a story of talent meeting opportunity. From his early days in Devon to representing England on the international stage, Craig has showcased skill, determination, and adaptability. His unique style, both as a bowler and batsman, has made him a valuable asset to his teams.

His legacy is not just about the statistics, impressive as they are. It's about the impact he has had on the game. Young cricketers can look up to Craig as an example of how to overcome challenges, both on and off the field, and how to continuously evolve as a player.

While his journey is far from over, Craig Overton has already etched his name in the annals of English cricket. His contributions to Somerset and England are a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. As fans and followers of cricket, we can only look forward to more memorable performances from this talented all-rounder.

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FAQs

When did Craig Overton make his Test debut for England?
Craig made his Test debut for England on 2 December 2017 against Australia.

What is Craig Overton's role in the team?
Craig Overton is an all-rounder, bowling right-arm medium-fast and batting right-handed.

Has Craig Overton played in The Hundred tournament?
Yes, Craig Overton played for Southern Brave in The Hundred tournament.

Who is Craig Overton's twin brother?
Jamie Overton is Craig's twin brother, and he also plays professional cricket.

What is a significant milestone Craig achieved in 2022?
In 2022, Craig Overton took his 400th wicket in first-class cricket during the County Championship.