England all-rounder Jamie Overton is set to make his return to the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, having been secured as an international pre-signing. This pre-emptive move was part of the BBL’s new regulation allowing one overseas player to be confirmed prior to the draft. The player must be available throughout the season and finals, reducing late-season departures to other leagues.
Overton, who has become a key figure at Strikers over the past two seasons, was initially brought into the team in 2023. Notably, he was named the Strikers’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) last season. With 27 wickets in 18 matches at an average economy rate of 8.81, his contributions with the ball have been significant. Equally, his batting performance, highlighted by 276 runs at an average of 69 and a strike rate of 150.81—including a memorable 32 off 14 balls against Sydney Sixers—demonstrates his capability as a finisher.
Tim Paine, coach of the Strikers, expressed great satisfaction with retaining Overton before the draft. “Securing Jamie as a pre-draft signing was a top priority for us,” Paine remarked. “His last two seasons with the Strikers have been outstanding, not just with his individual performances with both bat and ball, but also with his competitive spirit and energy he brings to the group.”
Overton shared his enthusiasm about returning to Adelaide. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be coming back to Adelaide for another season,” he enthused. “I’ve loved my time with the Strikers and the incredible support we get from the fans at Adelaide Oval. It’s a fantastic Club with a great bunch of lads, and I’m determined to help us push for finals and ultimately, the BBL title in BBL|15.”
With Overton’s signing, the Sydney Sixers remain the only club without an overseas pre-signing. Meanwhile, other clubs like Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, and Sydney Thunder already secured the likes of Colin Munro, Chris Jordan, Tim Seifert, Tom Curran, Finn Allen, and Sam Billings on two-year deals last season.
In other squad updates, Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald have moved on to Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes, respectively. In contrast, Jason Sangha joins the Strikers from Sydney Thunder after his commendable performances with South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
The Strikers hold picks No.2, 10, 23, and 26 ahead of the BBL overseas draft, scheduled for 19 June.
Adelaide Strikers Squad: Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen, Jamie Overton, Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, Jason Sangha, Matt Short, Henry Thornton.
