CRAIG Overton celebrated his England debut with a maiden Test wicket, removing Australian captain Steve Smith in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
Having been named in the 12-man squad and described as "excellent" in his approach to the match by captain Joe Root, the Somerset seamer received his cap ahead of his Test debut - coming into the team for Jake Ball.
What a moment for @craigoverton12 👏
— The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) December 2, 2017
He receives his cap ahead of his Test debut... #Ashes pic.twitter.com/88qv6Ta2zm
His achievement - becoming the first Somerset pace bowler to play for England since Richard Johnson in 2003 - came much to the delight of everyone connected to the West Country club.
Supporting @craigoverton12 from Perth! You legend!! making @SomersetCCC and @DevonCricket proud! #GOOOOOOOBERRRRRRRRRRR pic.twitter.com/W4eAfXSw1J
— Dom Bess (@DomBess99) December 2, 2017
Huge congratulations to @craigoverton12 thoroughly deserved opportunity! So many people @SomersetCCC and throughout the West Country feeling incredibly proud. #ashes17
— Jason Kerr (@JKerr548) December 2, 2017
England skipper Root elected to bowl first in the day-night Test in Adelaide, and after Cameron Bancroft was run out by Chris Woakes for 10, Overton made his first foray into the action in the 22nd over.
Despite concerns that Overton wasn't quick enough, the Somerset man began to make Smith, Australia's key man, look very uncomfortable in parts.
Following the dinner break, Overton struck with the first ball of a new spell, clean bowling Smith for 40 - a remarkable first Test wicket, as Smith had not been bowled in Australia since 2015.
Craig Overton you beauty!!!
— BT Sport (@btsport) December 2, 2017
His first wicket in Test cricket is Steve Smith 🙌👏💥
Huge moment! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/NGFxoFxxsj
Amazing to wake up to @craigoverton12 making his debut for England this morning! So proud to see him representing the country! Not a bad first wicket too! Well done goob, buzzing for you x
— tom abell (@tomabell1) December 2, 2017
Overton ended the day with figures of 1-47 off 17 overs, with Australia 209-4 and the happier of the two sides after England's bowlers let their opponents off the hook, particularly in the earlier part of the day, and with the hosts' dangerous attack eager to cause some damage with the pink ball.
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