Adelaide Strikers Secure Jamie Overton for Third Straight Big Bash Season
The Adelaide Strikers have confirmed the signing of England allrounder Jamie Overton for a third consecutive season in the Big Bash League, ahead of the upcoming KFC BBL|15 campaign. According to Cricket.com.au, Overton has penned a one-year deal with the club, allowing him to bypass the overseas player draft and secure a direct signing.
As reported by Cricket.com.au, Overton has been a standout performer for the Strikers in previous seasons, earning the club’s BBL MVP award last season. The 31-year-old has also been the club’s second most prolific bowler during his time at Adelaide, taking 27 wickets in his 15 innings.
The Strikers and Sydney Sixers were the only two teams not to retain their direct international signing from last season. However, with Overton on board, the Strikers have secured a significant signing ahead of the new season. "I’ve loved my time with the Strikers and the incredible support we get from the fans at Adelaide Oval," Overton said, as quoted by Cricket.com.au. "It’s a fantastic club with a great bunch of lads, and I’m determined to help us push for finals and ultimately, the title in BBL|15."
Overton’s availability for the entire BBL|15 season is pending international selection, with England’s white-ball sides scheduled to tour Sri Lanka from mid-January following the Ashes. However, according to Cricket.com.au, he is less likely to feature in the Ashes later this year after playing his first red-ball game for Surrey in more than a year last weekend.
The right-hander currently holds the highest batting average (69.00) in BBL history, with 11 not outs in his 15 innings for the Strikers over the past two seasons. As Cricket.com.au reports, the Strikers’ head coach, Tim Paine, was thrilled with the signing, saying: "Securing Jamie as a pre-draft signing was a top priority for us. His last two seasons with the Strikers have been outstanding, not just with his individual performances with both bat and ball, but also with his competitive spirit and energy he brings to the group."
The Strikers’ general manager of cricket, Simon Insley, added that the club would look to the overseas player market to reinforce their death bowling options, following the departure of Brendan Doggett to the Melbourne Renegades. As quoted by Cricket.com.au, Insley said: "Brendan Doggett has moved to the Renegades so we’ll be looking at that death bowling specialist in the overseas market. That’s something we need to support our list to give us a few more options in the key moments and in the Power Surge rather than just relying on one or two bowlers."
The Adelaide Strikers hold the second, 10th, 23rd, and 26th picks in the BBL|15 Draft, to be held on June 19. With Overton on board, the Strikers will look to build a strong squad for the upcoming season and make a push for the title.
Adelaide Strikers BBL|15 Squad (so far):
- Cameron Boyce
- Jordan Buckingham
- Alex Carey
- Thomas Kelly
- Harry Nielsen
- Jamie Overton
- Lloyd Pope
- Alex Ross
- Jason Sangha
- Matt Short
- Henry Thorton
The signing of Overton is a significant boost for the Adelaide Strikers, and fans will be eager to see him in action again in the upcoming season. With a strong squad and a determined team, the Strikers will look to make a deep run in the Big Bash League.
