Sam Curran has declared himself ready to step into the void left by Ben Stokes’ abrupt retirement from Test cricket, should England’s selectors turn to him to restore balance to the side.
Stokes shocked the cricket world by announcing his international exit on the fourth afternoon of the fourth Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, a match England went on to lose as they fell to a 2-1 series defeat.
His departure leaves an obvious leadership decision between Harry Brook and Joe Root, but replacing his all-round skill with bat and ball looks a far tougher puzzle.
Curran, 28, has not featured in a Test since his 24th cap five years ago, a run in which he took 47 wickets at 35.51 and averaged 24.69 with the bat. He was named player of the series against India back in 2018, aged just 20.
Currently on T20 duty against India, with the series resuming at Old Trafford on Saturday, the left-arm swing bowler and son of the late Zimbabwe all-rounder Kevin Curran said he would relish any recall.
“Stokesy’s going to be a big gap to fill for whoever takes that role, but I love playing for England,” he said. “I’m a competitive person. Whatever challenge is thrown at me, I’ll try my best.”
– AFP
Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
