SOMERSET'S star bowler Craig Overton is back at the Cooper Associates County Ground after a successful back operation.

The all rounder has said he is pleased with how the procedure went and is looking forward to getting back on the field.

"It has been quite smooth sailing really, touch wood it keeps going like that, but the surgery was needed really," he said when speaking to Somerset CCC's YouTube channel.

"I had been managing this for nearly three years now and for the last year and half I have been having injections in the back which had worn off."

He added: "Bowlers are wary of back operations thinking they are doom and gloom but the surgeon said it was a simple procedure.

"I went for the surgery and woke up after a couple hours and instantly felt better."

He now enters an extensive rehabilitation period as he works to get back to full strength and fitness ahead of the upcoming season.

Overton said: "At the moment I cant lift anything more than sort of 3-5 kilograms so it isn't much, but we are doing lots of core and body weight exercises.

"We are trying to build up movement in my back and basically just getting the back and pelvis moving better and improving my core.

"It is nothing too strenuous at the moment, but hopefully that will stand me well going forward."

He also discussed the difficulties involved with being in the injury rehab phase but how it is giving him some extra time to focus on other things.

"No one wants to be in rehab, or injured in the first place, but I will be in rehab for five months which is a long time.

"It is quite nice though as I haven't had this much time off for probably close to 10 to 12 years, so to have this sort of time to actually let my body rest is quite nice.

"I will make the most of this time and I can focus on new skills and develop my game a little bit more whereas in the past I haven't had that time to do so.

"It will be a nice time to work on things but it is good to back working with the boys in training."

Looking forward to 2024, he added: "Hopefully I will be fit for the whole year and I don't have any of these back issues anymore.

"That will mean I can play how I want to play rather than hold back sometimes and I can go out and show what I can do everyday without worrying about how my back is feeling."