Craig Overton banned from Somerset survival match

Craig Overton has received an automatic two-match suspension after an ECB cricket discipline commission examined a disturbing disciplinary record which has brought three umpiring reports in a single season.

The suspension is a blow to Somerset, who are not yet safe from relegation, and will cause further concern about the on-field behaviour of Overton, who has been called up, along with his brother Jamie, for an England fast bowlers camp in South Africa in November.

Overton was reported by umpires Alex Wharf and Ian Gould during Somerset's LV= Championship match against Sussex this week for a Level One breach of the directives: using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or making an obscene gesture.

He has now received a total of nine penalty points and is suspended from Somerset's Championship match against Warwickshire on 22-25 September 2015 and also from the first match in the 2016 programme. Somerset meet Warwickshire at Taunton, and although they lie sixth they still need seven points to be assured of safety irrespective of other results.

Overton had previously breached the fixed penalty directives on two occasions in 2015. The penalty for a further breach at Level 1 within 24 months is three penalty points. These penalty points will remain on his record for a period of two years.