JAMIE Overton has joined Northamptonshire from Somerset on a one-month loan deal.

The 25-year-old will be eligible for four Division 2 matches in the County Championship but will also be available to play for Somerset in the Royal London One-Day final against Hampshire at Lord's on May 25.

Overton becomes the second Somerset bowler to leave on loan in the past week, with Dom Bess to link up with Yorkshire for up to four County Championship matches.

Overton missed Somerset's two opening County Championship fixtures due to injury but has returned to play in four One-Day Cup games, taking five wickets.

The seamer said: "Obviously, I’m hungry to be playing first XI cricket and currently opportunities are limited.

"When the opportunity to play first XI Championship cricket at Northants came about, I felt it was a great chance for me to show what I can do.

"After this loan period I’ll return to Taunton and I look forward to contributing to winning games for Somerset.”

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “Since working his way back from an early season injury, Jamie has recently and successfully returned to First XI action in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

"We’ve made an impressive start to this year’s County Championship, and whilst Jamie is certainly in contention for selection, we can’t guarantee him a starting place at present.

“Therefore, we feel that both he and the club would benefit from him playing competitive First XI red-ball cricket.

“As I’ve stated previously, it’s important to us as a club to ensure that we are providing opportunities that support our player’s needs whilst considering our club’s mid-term needs.

“The terms of this loan agreement will enable Jamie to be available for selection for the Royal London One-Day Cup final and return to Somerset if we incur an injury to one of our seamers."