Thu Sep 12 12:21:42 UTC 2024: ## England Call Up Three Debutants, Including Injured Jamie Overton as Specialist Batter

**Southampton, England:** England has named a squad for the first T20I against Australia, featuring three debutants, including the injured all-rounder Jamie Overton. Overton, known for his pace bowling, will play as a specialist batter in the upcoming series due to a back stress fracture sustained in April.

Despite the injury, Overton has been playing as a specialist batter in professional cricket since July. He has showcased impressive form for Surrey in the T20 Blast, averaging 23.66 with a strike rate of nearly 170.

However, his performance in The Hundred was less successful, amassing only 94 runs at an average of 15.66 and a strike rate of 107.00.

Overton is slated to bat at No.7 in the first T20I against Australia in Southampton. While his future as a bowler remains uncertain, he will be looking to make a positive impact with the bat.

The complete England XI for the first T20I is:

* **Phil Salt (c & wk)**
* **Will Jacks**
* **Jordan Cox**
* **Liam Livingstone**
* **Jacob Bethell**
* **Sam Curran**
* **Jamie Overton**
* **Jofra Archer**
* **Adil Rashid**
* **Saqib Mahmood**
* **Reece Topley**

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