Fast-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton is set to don the Adelaide Strikers’ blue once again, after being secured in the first selection of today’s Big Bash League draft. Overton, who played a pivotal role in the Strikers’ late-season surge to the finals of BBL|13, will be a key player in their upcoming campaign.
In his debut season, Overton emerged as Adelaide’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 16 wickets at an impressive average of 17.31 across nine matches. His performances placed him as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the competition, highlighting his impact with the ball. But Overton’s contributions weren’t limited to his bowling; he also proved his worth as a powerful middle-order batter, averaging 42.5 with a strike rate of 139.3. One of his standout performances came against the Sydney Sixers, where he nearly led the Strikers to victory by scoring 15 runs off the final over, in addition to his impressive bowling figures of 3-23.
Overton’s all-around excellence earned him a spot in the BBL Team of the Tournament, alongside Strikers’ stars Matt Short, Chris Lynn, and Cameron Boyce. Among Adelaide’s bowlers with 10 or more career wickets, Overton boasts one of the best strike rates (12.88) and averages, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
Joining Overton at the Strikers for BBL|14 is his Surrey teammate Ollie Pope, as well as left-arm spinner and power-hitter Fabian Allen, who was selected in the third round of the BBL draft. Allen, a consistent performer for the West Indies in white-ball formats, brings his impressive T20I strike rate of 135.35 and his handy left-arm spin to Adelaide.
The Strikers’ BBL|14 campaign will kick off against the Sydney Thunder in Canberra on December 17. With Overton’s return, along with the additions of Pope and Allen, the Strikers are poised to make a strong push for the title this season.
