Jamie Overton's No.8 selection after the South Africa tour shows the challenge facing England

A frank admission of a scheduling hangover, it may yet prove a masterstroke

With a short turnaround, England have named an experimental squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series in South Africa, selecting Jamie Overton as a specialist No.8. This decision highlights the challenges facing the team as they navigate a packed schedule.

Overton's selection signals a potential shift in England's approach

Overton's inclusion is a clear indication that England are looking to add more power to their batting lineup. Traditionally, England have preferred to field an all-rounder at No.8, but Overton's selection suggests that they are willing to sacrifice some bowling depth for increased batting firepower.

Overton is a genuine all-rounder, capable of bowling medium pace and hitting the ball a long way. However, he is relatively inexperienced at international level, having played just two ODIs for England. His selection is a gamble, but it is one that could pay off if he can replicate his domestic form on the international stage.

England's packed schedule is taking its toll

The decision to select Overton is also a reflection of England's packed schedule. The team has played a lot of cricket in recent months, and several key players are carrying injuries. This has forced England to make some tough decisions in terms of team selection.

The upcoming ODI series in South Africa is a crucial one for England. They need to win in order to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup alive. However, they will need to find a way to balance the need to rest their players with the need to win matches.

It is too early to say whether Overton's selection will be a success

It is too early to say whether Overton's selection will be a success. He is a talented player, but he is still relatively inexperienced at international level. However, his selection is a sign that England are willing to experiment in order to find the right balance for their team.