SOMERSET County Cricket Club have received a boost ahead of their NatWest T20 Blast quarter-final this evening, as they have confirmed that Craig and Jamie Overton have signed contract extensions to remain at the club through to the end of the 2020 season.
The 23-year-old brothers, whose current deals were set to expire at the end of 2018, have put themselves on the verge of international selection with some impressive performances - although Jamie has missed the last few months of this season due to a back injury.
Both came through the Somerset Academy and made their debuts in the 2012 season, since when they have regularly impressed in county cricket.
Jamie has played a total of 95 matches across all three formats, taking 168 wickets and scoring 1,091 runs, while Craig has played 134 matches, taking 247 wickets and scoring 2,228 runs.
Craig commented: “I’m really pleased to have committed my future to Somerset.
"It’s an exciting time for the club and there is a real feeling that we are on the verge of something big.
"There’s a lot of really good young players here at the moment and hopefully the squad can realise its potential and really give the supporters something to cheer about.”
PROMISE: Jamie Overton has had injury problems this season, but is an undoubted talent. Pic: Somerset CCC
Jamie said: “It’s great to have signed this extension and I can’t wait to get back out in to the middle for the club that has been a part of my life for so long.
"It’s amazing to be able come in every day and work with so many quality players.
"We’re desperate for Somerset success and I’m sure that it’s just a matter of time until we achieve something special.”
Somerset CEO Lee Cooper added: “Craig and Jamie are exceptionally talented players, and to have secured their long term futures is a real coup for the club.
"Our policy is to identify, develop and back local talent in order to make that the core of any Somerset side, and the Overton brothers epitomise exactly that.
"They will form the cornerstone of Somerset teams for many years to come, and I have no doubt that their careers will go from strength to strength.”
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