Craig Overton targets Perth victory to keep England alive in Ashes

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David Clough7 December 2017

Craig Overton insists England "are not panicking just yet" despite going 2-0 down in the Ashes.

The Somerset seamer enjoyed his Test debut in Adelaide, despite England's 120-run defeat - and the small matter of a painful bruise on his rib cage after a short ball from Pat Cummins arrowed into him.

Australia can regain the urn with victory in Perth, but Overton insists the tourists can keep the series alive with a result at the WACA.

"Obviously (the result in Adelaide) was a bit disappointing," he said. "But we showed in parts we can compete with them ... we are confident we can perform well and win (in Perth).

"We are not panicking just yet."

By the time Cummins struck him in the chest on day five, England's brief hopes of a remarkable comeback victory had become unrealistic.

But as tailender Overton reflects on a first Test experience which brought him an unbeaten 41 in his maiden innings, as well as four wickets, the wince from his sore rib is quickly replaced by a broad smile.

Asked if he has ever had to withstand a barrage of bouncers like those from Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, he said: "Probably not in first-class cricket - not like that, no.

"You can get one (bowler) like that in a game, but to have three is tough work. But you have to expect that in Australia. I knew what I was getting into.

"It was good fun, and I felt like I played it pretty well."

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