PROUD dad Mark Overton will be criss-crossing the country next week to make sure he sees twin sons Craig and Jamie playing for England.
Craig Overton, the older by three minutes of the twins, has been named in England’s T20 squad for the game against South Africa at Taunton on Friday.
Barely 24 hours after Craig learned he was in one squad, twin Jamie learned he was in the England Lions party for their First Class game against South Africa A at Canterbury. The game starts on Wednesday.
North Devon businessman Overton now has to plan his diary to make sure he can see both sons in action hundreds of miles apart – and get wife Helen in to one of the games.
“I have a meeting in London on Wednesday which is convenient for Canterbury the following day, then it will a case of rushing back to Taunton on Friday – if I can get tickets,” said Mark.
“Taunton is a sell-out for the game but I hope Helen and I can get in as parents of a player for Craig’s biggest game yet.”
The twins, both of whom started playing in the juniors at North Devon CC, have been in various England squads before – occasionally at the same time.
“They have never been in different England teams playing on the same day – that’s a first,” said Mark.
Craig has been in England Lions 50-over and First Class teams before, but if he plays against South Africa it will be his first full cap.
“Craig is in with the big boys now and as it is T20 cricket he is going to be in for a tough match,” said Mark.
“Bowlers get smashed in T20 and know what’s coming.
“Jamie, although not in with the big boys, will be more in it as a bowler in his game.”
Jamie’s Lions selection is a sign the England management didn’t forget him after he had to step back from international cricket last year due to a stress fracture in his back.
His last England appearance was in December 2015 against Pakistan in a T20 tournament in Dubai.
Jamie spent part of last winter in South Africa at an England fast bowling camp continuing his rehabilitation with specialist coaches.
Craig has already run into the South Africans this season, playing two England Lions games against them at Nottingham and Northampton earlier this month.
North Devon CC are hugely proud of the Overton twins, who still fit in the odd game for their club when their Somerset and England commitments permit.
Rob Ayre, who was 1st XI captain at the time the twins started playing senior cricket, said: “All of us are rooting for them to do well for England and would love to see them in a Test side together one day.
“From the age of 13 or 14 the twins had something special about them and we always thought they would make careers in the game.
“Both have had injury setbacks, but they have worked through them and their enthusiasm for the game keeps driving them on to bigger and better things.”
