SOMERSET paceman Jamie Overton is hoping the 2018 summer can be a productive one for both himself and the team as his recovery from injury steps up a notch.

The 23-year-old was looking sharp in a net session held in the County Ground marquee yesterday (Wednesday) and spoke to the County Gazette afterwards about his progress and hopes for the season to come.

“I feel really good - it’s been a long six months trying to get back to how I feel I want to be bowling and it’s still getting there," he said.

“I’m getting closer every time I’m bowling and I feel I’m ready for the season now.”

Talking about his winter so far, the paceman said: “I’ve been in Loughborough most of the time and have had a couple of trips away to Desert Springs in Spain and Potchefstroom in South Africa.

“It’s been a really good winter and I hope this can be a big season.

“Obviously it has been a frustrating couple of seasons with stress fractures, so fingers crossed I can have an injury-free summer.

“The squad we’ve got is very promising, with a lot of talent and ability.

“I really like our chances this year - hopefully we can go one better than a couple of years ago and finish top.”

The 23-year-old is, like his head coach, a fan of the marquee set-up and said: “It’s a good initiative, especially early season as you can get outside earlier than you could do otherwise.

“English conditions are unlike any others in the world, so it’s nice to get out and get some good training in.”

Overton’s form will certainly be monitored by the England selectors, given he has the raw pace which was lacking among the touring attack during the winter’s Ashes defeat.

His brother Craig, of course, is currently with the senior side in New Zealand - the first Test begins on March 22 - and the younger twin (by a matter of minutes) is hoping he can follow suit.

“With a twin brother you always have that rivalry, so it is that bit of extra incentive,” he said.

“Hopefully I can catch up with him - that’s always happened in the past, with one of us getting slightly ahead before the other catches up, so hopefully I can join him in the Test squad.”