Craig Overton - called into a England Test squad for the first time<br>credit: Alex Davidson http://www.ppauk.com/photo/1367683/

NORTH Devon’s Craig Overton is one of two uncapped players named in England’s 16-man touring party for this winter’s Ashes Series.

Somerset’s 24-year-old fast bowler and 24-year-old Surrey wicketkeeper Ben Foakes are in a Test squad for the first time.

Craig Overton - England callHampshire top order batsman James Vince returns to the squad for the first time since August 2016 and will be looking to add to his seven caps.

Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance is back in contention for a Test spot after suffering a fractured finger in the second Test against South Africa in July.

Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane, who has spent most of the summer with the England Test squad, is selected as one of two specialist spinners. 

Commenting on the squad, National Selector James Whitaker, said: “A tour of Australia is the ultimate test for our squad. We have provided Joe Root and Trevor Bayliss with a well-balanced squad with options in all areas.

“After a successful summer, having won the Test series against South Africa and West Indies, there is real competition for places and we have selected a squad that will work hard and compete against Australia, aiming to win the Ashes.

“Surrey’s Ben Foakes deserves his selection for the first time at this level. His glovework has been exemplary and he is regarded as a wicketkeeper of the highest quality. He has the ability to contribute with the bat scoring over 680 runs in the Championship this summer at an average of 45.33.

“Craig Overton, who like Foakes has come through the International Pathway, has been involved in the England set-up this summer with the Lions and the IT20 squad. He will now get his chance at Test level. We have been impressed with the way he has led Somerset’s attack over a long period of time. He has taken 43 Championship wickets this summer and will relish playing in Australian conditions.”

Touring Diary

November 2017

4-5 November: 2-day tour match, England v WA XI, WACA, Perth, 10.30am; 8-11 November: 4-day tour match (D/N), England v CA XI, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 2pm; 15-18 November: 4-day tour match, England v CA XI, Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville, 10am; 23-27 November: 1st Test, England v Australia, Gabba, Brisbane, 10am.

December 2017

2-6 December: 2nd Test, England v Australia (D/N), Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 2pm; 9-10 December: 2-day tour match, England v CA XI, Richardson Oval, Perth, 10am; 14-18 December: 3rd Test, England v Australia, WACA Ground, Perth, 10:30am; 26-30 December: 4th Test Match, England v Australia, MCG, Melbourne, 10:30am.

January 2018

4-8 January: 5th Test, England v Australia, SCG, Sydney, 10:30am