Jamie Overton Ruled Out of West Indies Series with Fractured Finger

England allrounder Jamie Overton has been ruled out of the remaining white-ball matches against West Indies after suffering a fractured right little finger during the opening ODI at Edgbaston on Thursday. The injury comes as a blow for the 31-year-old, who had shown promise in his brief spell before being forced off the field.

Overton was injured in just his second delivery of the match when he attempted to take a sharp return catch off Keacy Carty. The ball struck his bowling hand with force, and Overton immediately left the field clutching his finger in visible pain. While the initial assumption was a dislocation, medical scans later confirmed a fracture.

Despite the injury, Overton returned later in the innings with his finger heavily strapped and went on to deliver a spirited performance. He finished with England’s best bowling figures — 3 for 22 in 5.2 overs — including the key dismissals of Roston Chase and Matthew Forde with aggressive short balls, and a deceptive slower delivery that accounted for Gudakesh Motie.

Jos Butler on Overton’s injury

“It looked nasty when he went down,” said England captain Jos Buttler after the match. “But for Jamie to come back and bowl like that shows real character. He’s been excellent for us.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Overton will now begin a rehabilitation program under the guidance of the team’s medical staff. He will not be replaced in the current ODI squad.

Fast bowlers Matthew Potts and Luke Wood are already part of the extended group and are in line to step up should England opt for a pace replacement. Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley may also be considered, depending on conditions in the remaining matches.

The second ODI of the three-match series will be played in Cardiff on Sunday, followed by the final fixture at The Oval on Tuesday. The teams will then switch formats with the first T20I scheduled for Friday at Chester-le-Street.

Overton’s absence opens up opportunities for England’s fringe pacers, but his aggression and pace will be missed. England will be hoping his recovery is swift, especially with a packed summer of cricket ahead.

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