Craig Overton to not feature in Boxing Day Test due to fractured rib

Craig Overton, England pacer, has been ruled out of Boxing Day Test in the ongoing Ashes which is set to commence on Monday at the iconic MCG. The youngster had played the third Test at WACA with the injury and bowled his heart out only to exaggerate it to some extent. The blow is severe for England who has already lost the Ashes to Australia and are playing for pride in the last two Test matches. However, another Tom Curran is the likeliest candidate to replace Overton in the iconic Boxing Day Test.

Overton is a find for England on this tour who has proved his skill with both bat and ball. He was hit on the rib by a Pat Cummins bouncer during the second day-night Test in Adelaide. His impressive show hasn’t saved his team with three consecutive morale-crushing losses so far in this series. His replacement Curran is another exciting talent from England who might make his debut in whites. Though Jake Ball is also in the squad who might make an appearance and Mark Wood also stands an outside chance who is with England Lions down under.

Can England surprise Australia in Melbourne?

England had their moments throughout the series but have failed to latch on to those thereby giving away the Ashes in the first three games itself. The Ashes debutants have performed much better than the senior pros in the side. The likes of Dawid Malan, James Vince, Mark Stoneman and Jonny Bairstow have played exceedingly well with the bat. Overton has been excellent with the ball. On the other hand, the skipper Joe Root and the opener Alastair Cook have been utterly disappointing and there will be pressure on them to come up with a good show in Melbourne.

It would be interesting to see if they come out without any pressure and play with freedom now that the series has been decided. The approach might do wonders to their fortunes on the tour in the last couple of games. Moreover, Mitchell Starc’s injury would be a relieving news in their camp. But they have to be at their best to beat this well-equipped Aussie side at home.