‘I did probably think that was my way back into the Test team’ – Sam Curran taken aback after being overlooked as Ben Stokes’ Test replacement

Sam Curran (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

England all-rounder Sam Curran expressed his disappointment at being overlooked for a Test recall following skipper Ben Stokes’ hamstring injury this summer. The 26-year-old is still optimistic that the upcoming white-ball tour of the West Indies will allow him to once again prove his skills.

Curran despite playing a crucial role in England’s T20 World Cup 2022 victory in Australia, where he was named Player of the Final and Tournament. The left-arm has struggled to find consistent role clarity in white-ball cricket for England, given his success in franchise cricket.

“I’ll be totally honest, when Stokesy got injured, I did probably think that was my way back into the Test team. A couple of weeks back, I had a meeting with Keysy [Rob Key, director of cricket] just to get a bit of understanding of where the group is, and how I see myself getting back into the Test side,” Curran told talkSPORT.

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I just hope that call comes: Sam Curran

The Surrey all-rounder’s last Test appearance came against India in August 2021, missing out of the 30 matches played under Brendon McCullum’s tenure as head coach. Curran suspects that his physical attributes may be working against him in the current setup, which seems to favor taller, faster bowlers.

“The way the teams are being set up now, guys are getting picked for certain skills and a bit out of the unknown. As a county player, it’s an interesting one, because you’ve got to hope that you fit that mould right now. And if you don’t, you’ve just got to crack on and win games for your franchise and your counties, and just hope that that call comes,” he added.

Despite the setbacks, the Northampton-born remains focused on proving his worth in the team. The upcoming tour of the Caribbean is a good opportunity for him, potentially batting higher up the order in the absence of several multi-format stars.

“My goal is always to try and get back into the England sides, and there’s only one way of doing that … scoring runs, taking wickets, and winning games for England or the franchises. There’s no doubt I’d love to be on an Ashes tour or in a Champions Trophy victory. I’m someone who likes to prove a point, so fingers crossed the next couple of months go well,” he concluded.

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