SOMERSET seamer Craig Overton has described his England call-up for this winter's Ashes tour as a "childhood dream" and admits he "can't wait to get out there."

The 23-year-old was selected after a fine season which has seen the paceman take 46 wickets at an average of just over 22, and he was enthusiastic about the prospect of what may lie in store this winter.

Speaking after day three of Somerset's match with Middlesex in Taunton, he said: “It’s a childhood dream, that’s for sure.

“To find out the way I did was really nice and it just shows that hard work does pay off.

“My parents are happy, as any parents would be, and hopefully I can keep making them proud.

“Jamie seems pretty happy too – it’s disappointing that he’s injured but I know his character and I know he’ll come back stronger.

“Taking the field together for England is the plan. Hopefully he can stay fit for a period of time and we can make that happen."

Overton has taken on increased responsibility in Somerset's attack this season due to the injuries sustained by his twin brother, Jamie, and Lewis Gregory - something he seems to have thrived upon.

“Circumstances have meant I’ve had to lead from the front a little bit – the injuries to Lewis and Jamie have meant Tim [Groenewald] and I have had to step up, which I think we’ve done well," he said.

“I worked last winter on upping my pace – I’ve always been accurate, but I tended to lose that when I bowled quicker so I needed to get a bit faster but keep that consistency.

“Chris Rogers and I spoke last year about trying to bowl fuller as, with my height, batters don’t like coming forward. I’m aiming for the stumps more, which brings more wickets into play and is something I’ve worked hard on doing.

READ MORE: Delight for Overton but dismay at Leach omission.

The Barnstaple-born seamer must now battle it out with Chris Woakes and Jake Ball for a place in the side, and admitted the competition for places will be intense.

He said: “The senior players in the squad are really experienced bowlers so I assume they are going to start, but you never know in a Test series as there’s usually a couple of injuries. I hope to get a go at some point.

“The pitches will be different to here, where it is slower, but I’ll enjoy the challenge it provides.

“I will look to learn a lot from the likes of Stuart Broad and James Anderson – they have taken more Test wickets for England than anyone else, so I will be questioning them as much as possible and I’ll hope to bring that back to Somerset."

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