Overton came agonisingly close to what would have been just the second first-class century of his career, edging Trent Boult to Daryl Mitchell to leave the Leeds crowd silent
Jamie Overton has revealed the words of encouragement Jonny Bairstow sprinted 50 yards to offer following the Somerset man's dismissal for 97 on Test debut at Headingley.
Overton came agonisingly close to what would have been just the second first-class century of his career, edging Trent Boult to Daryl Mitchell to leave the Leeds crowd silent.
As he walked off towards the pavilion, Overton was met by Bairstow - with whom he had put on a match-saving partnership for the seventh wicket after England found themselves 55 for 6 on Friday.
"He just said: 'Soak it all up, you played a great knock. Obviously it's frustrating, but soak it all in'," Overton said.
Jamie Overton made 97 for England against New Zealand [Getty Images]
"Obviously I was very disappointed getting out on 97 but me and Jonny put us in a great position, and that knock from Broady [Stuart Broad] coming in and getting us into a 31-run lead has put us in a great place going into the second innnings.
"It was obviously disappointing but I feel I've contributed to the team more than enough."
That is something of an understatement. Between England's seventh and eighth-wicket partnerships, the hosts turned a desperate situation into a winning one. New Zealand lead by 137 runs going into day four with five second-innings wickets remaining.
Overton is experiencing the Test setup for the first time, and he is loving it.
"It's a great dressing-room to be involved in," he said. "Everyone's so full of belief, especially coming off the back of two great wins, especially Trent Bridge.
"It's a great squad to be involved in and I've been very welcomed. It just brings out the best in yourself really.
"I think it's just trying to be fun. Ben [Stokes, England captain] has got the ethos of trying to be entertainers for everyone and I think what he said in the changing room earlier is the way me and Jonny played made the crowd get on the edge of their seats. It's entertaining cricket, and that's what we want to be doing.
Overton and Jonny Bairstow changed the game for England [AFP via Getty Images]
"I like to think I'm quite an entertaining cricketer. I know I might go for a few runs, but... I try and make it as entertaining for the crowd as possible, that's one of the things I try and do."
England will come back on Sunday looking to dismiss the two thorns in their side for much of the series: Daryl Michell and Tom Blundell.
"I think that last session put us right in the back seat," Overton said.
"We would like to go back out there at the end but couldn't quite get out there with the with the covers needing time to get them off.
"We're in a great position going into tomorrow and hopefully we can get the two early wickets, the two key wickets. We feel like we're in a good place. And if we can get those two early, then we're in a great place to win the game."
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