The England fast bowler Jamie Overton has announced an ‘indefinite break from red-ball cricket’, ruling him out of the upcoming Ashes.

The 31-year-old has been an integral part of the test team that played three tests of the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Despite his infrequent appearances, Overton was almost had a guaranteed spot in the England squad for the Ashes where they have been identifying in their bid to win in Australia for the first time since 2010-11.

Speaking on an interview, he spelt out his reasons for the decision, saying that at this stage of his career, it was “no longer possible to commit fully to all formats at every level, both physically and mentally.”

“After a great deal of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket,” Jamie Overton said.

“I feel very fortunate to have played 99 first-class matches, including two Test matches for England. Red-ball, first-class cricket has provided the foundation for my professional career and has been the gateway to every opportunity I’ve had in the game so far,” Overton added.

“It’s where I learnt the game, and it fuelled the goals and ambitions that have driven me for so long.”

“However, at this stage of my career, with the demands of cricket across a 12-month calendar, it’s no longer possible to commit fully to all formats at every level, both physically and mentally,” Overton added.

“Going forward, my focus will be on white-ball cricket, and I will continue to give everything to play at the highest level for as long as I can.”

Jamie Overton is currently part of the ODI squad for the South Africa tour of England 2025. Speaking on the eve of the match, Harry Brook admitted he was taken aback by the announcement and its timing.

“A little bit shocked to be honest,” Brook said. “I thought he did well in that last Test, he bowled quick. Obviously you’ve got to respect that decision that he’s going to have a little bit of a break from red-ball cricket. Hopefully at some point we’ll see him again in the future.”

“I’d heard rumours but I hadn’t heard it from him until today. You’ve just got to respect the decision, he obviously doesn’t feel like he wants to play red-ball cricket at the minute and we can’t do anything about it,” added Brook.

“He’s made the decision now but it’s unfortunate. I thought he did really well in that last Test match and it would have been nice to have him there in the Ashes,” concluded Harry Brook.

The England Men’s Director of Cricket Rob Key said, “Jamie’s news came unexpected and it is sad to see, as he would have been part of our red-ball plans for the foreseeable future. That said, it serves as a reminder of the cricketing landscape we now operate in. We respect his decision and are grateful to him for informing us when he did.”

England and South Africa will play in the first ODI game on September 02 at Headingley Carnegie.