Craig Overton targets England return through Somerset form but reports no contact

Craig Overton says his route back into the England side depends on sustained performances for Somerset, while revealing that he has had no contact about an international return. Speaking to BBC Test Match Special after being named the Professional Cricketers' Association men's player of the year, the all-rounder said he remained eager to represent his country again.

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The 32-year-old's case rests on a productive County Championship season with both bat and ball. According to BBC Sport, he took 53 wickets at an average of 19.18, the third-highest wicket tally in Division One, and contributed 734 runs, including three centuries. Somerset finished second in the championship, falling short of a first title, and also reached the T20 Blast semi-finals.

Overton has made 15 appearances for England, split between eight Tests and seven one-day internationals. His most recent international appearance came in 2022. He told the BBC that playing for England remained an ambition after his previous experience, while acknowledging that international cricket brought challenges as well as enjoyment. He has not described any approach from the selectors or an agreed route back into the squad.

Instead, Overton said he accepted that England's selectors were currently taking the team in a different direction. His response was to keep producing performances that would make their choices more difficult. He placed the emphasis on contributing for Somerset and every other team he represents, with any England call-up following from that work rather than becoming the immediate focus.

BBC Sport reported that his season had prompted discussion about whether he could fill the pace-bowling all-rounder vacancy created by Ben Stokes' retirement. That discussion has not amounted to a confirmed recall. Overton's own account of having received no contact leaves a clear distinction between interest in his form and any decision by England's selectors.

His PCA recognition was decided by fellow players. In its report on the awards, BBC Sport said Overton finished ahead of shortlisted candidates Joe Clarke, George Hill and Dan Lawrence. Overton described recognition from his peers as particularly meaningful and credited a strong mental position with helping him perform through a demanding playing schedule.