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England call up Craig Overton to replace Liam Plunkett in New Zealand

Craig Overton has been called up to the England squad for the one-day series in New Zealand
Image: Craig Overton has been called up to the England squad for the one-day series in New Zealand

England have called up Craig Overton to replace the injured Liam Plunkett for the one-day international series against New Zealand.

Yorkshire bowler Plunkett was ruled out with a hamstring injury suffered in last Tuesday's T20 defeat to New Zealand and will miss the five-match ODI series against the Black Caps.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 14:  Liam Plunkett of England bowls during game one of the One Day International Series between Australia and England at Mel
Image: Plunkett has been ruled out of the series with a hamstring injury

Overton made his Test debut during the Ashes series defeat in Australia, but fractured his rib in the third Test at the WACA in December.

However, the 23-year-old has now made a full recovery and joins all-rounder Ben Stokes in the squad.

Stokes has not played for England since September but following an appearance in court on a charge of affray, which he denies, is available to make his England return against the Black Caps in Hamilton on February 25.

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However, England coach Trevor Bayliss says Stokes will need to be assessed closely this week before a decision is made on whether to pick him for Sunday's opening game of the series.

"Ben has fitted right back in and it only seems like yesterday that he went away," said Bayliss. "It will take a while for him to get up to speed and we will have to make a decision [based on] nets.

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"I think [the first ODI] might be a bit early for him - and as we won our last series 4-1 [against Australia] there might not be a spot for him!

"We are just going to have to play it by ear."

Watch England's five-match ODI series against New Zealand live on Sky Sports Cricket.

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