Overton, who has represented Surrey and Somerset in 99 first-class matches and played two Tests for England since his debut in 2022, said the decision was made after much consideration. The decisions also mean that Overton will not be a part of England\u2019s squad for the all-important Ashes, starting on November 21 in Perth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"After a great deal of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket. I feel very fortunate to have played 99 first-class matches, including two Test matches for England.Red-ball, first-class cricket has provided the foundation for my professional career and has been the gateway to every opportunity I\u2019ve had in the game so far. It\u2019s where I learnt the game, and it fuelled the goals and ambitions that have driven me for so long.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"However, at this stage of my career, with the demands of cricket across a 12-month calendar, it\u2019s no longer possible to commit fully to all formats at every level, both physically and mentally. Going forward, my focus will be on white-ball cricket, and I will continue to give everything to play at the highest level for as long as I can,\" Overton said in a statement issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"After a great deal of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket. I feel very fortunate to have played 99 first-class matches, including two Test matches for England.Red-ball, first-class cricket has provided the foundation for my professional career and has been the gateway to every opportunity I\u2019ve had in the game so far. It\u2019s where I learnt the game, and it fuelled the goals and ambitions that have driven me for so long.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rob Key, England Men\u2019s Director of Cricket, said the decision came as a surprise but was respected by the management. \u201cJamie\u2019s news came unexpected and it is sad to see, as he would have been part of our red-ball plans for the foreseeable future. That said, it serves as a reminder of the cricketing landscape we now operate in. We respect his decision and are grateful to him for informing us when he did,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n