SOMERSET seamer Craig Overton will have to wait for his chance to make his mark in this winter's Ashes after England's selection of his pace rival Jake Ball for the first Test in Brisbane, which gets underway at midnight tonight (Wednesday).

Overton had looked set to feature at the Gabba, with bowling consultant Shane Bond saying last week the 23-year-old was "in pole position", but Nottinghamshire's Ball made a swift return from an ankle problem to bowl 17 overs at full pace in England's final warm-up match.

England captain Joe Root said: "It wasn't an easy decision. Craig has come into the squad and everything asked of him he's done really well.

"All the players on their first tour have impressed and it's great that the whole squad seems to be performing.

"Jake has bowled well when he's had his opportunity on the tour and the way he goes about things on these surfaces could be really challenging for the Australians."

Overton bowled well throughout the warm-up matches but didn't help his case with the bat, which was his clear advantage over Ball, making three consecutive ducks.

The Somerset man will have to be patient and in a position to seize his chance when it comes, which could yet be as early as the second Test under lights in Adelaide.