Hussey: Losing Overton would be huge

Australia

Former Australia Test batsman Michael Hussey believes that losing Craig Overton to injury would be a massive blow to England.

Overton was England’s most penetrative bowler on day two claiming the scalps of openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft but jarred a rib and is in doubt for the rest of the match.

England have struggled to generate wicket-taking opportunities on a fast WACA pitch and Hussey believes they will struggle if Overton can not return to the attack.

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Hussey said on Optus Sports’ Stumps program: “I think it’s a big loss because earlier he bowled well. And this pitch suits him; he’s tall, he can just get the ball up and seam it around and swing it a little bit.

“So, I think it’s a big loss for England if he can’t come back and bowl.”

England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has backed the Somerset quick to return to the match despite the niggle.

Bairstow said after play on day two: “He bowled lovely, didn’t he?

“To get those couple of wickets he bowled really, really nicely.

“He’s a tough lad from Devon so I’m sure he’ll be alright.”

Overton sustained a knock in Adelaide when he wore a Pat Cummins bouncer while batting but left the field for twenty five minutes after pulling up during his tenth over in Perth.

It was an eventful day for Overton who also put down a sharp chance offered by Usman Khawaja off his own bowling when the number three had yet to score.

Australia are 203 for 3 at the close of play trailing by 200 runs.

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