EnglandS T20 with New Zealand Abandoned, Curran Shines in Limited Play
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – England’s first T20 international against New Zealand was called off due to rain on Wednesday, but not before Sam Curran made a compelling case for inclusion in the upcoming ashes series and the T20 World Cup. The match, reduced to a brief period of play, saw Curran score valuable runs in challenging conditions, demonstrating his potential as a key all-rounder.
The fixture,the first of only six T20s England has scheduled before the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka begins in february,was overshadowed by anticipation for the Ashes. Though, the match provided an prospect for players like Curran to press their claims for a place in the squad.
curran, 27, earned his first England call-up under coach Brendon McCullum last month, offering a second seam-bowling option to a batting-heavy lineup.He was previously informed by the England hierarchy that securing a spot as an all-rounder capable of batting in the top six was his pathway back into the side, rather than solely as a bowler. Despite being dropped twice – on 14 and 26 – Curran capitalized on his chances, hitting a six off Mitchell Santner and scoring 19 runs in the final over.
While other batsmen struggled on a pitch favoring bowlers – including Harry Brook, jos Buttler (29), and jordan Cox – Curran remained composed.
“Baz [McCullum] gave him a very honest reason for why he wasn’t selected in the first place,” Brook said. “He went back, practised hard and he’s put out those performances and done really well in the last year and a half. Everybody in world cricket knows he’s done it pretty much everywhere. He’s a very valuable player to have in the middle order, a left-hander as well. He’s going to be around for a while, I think. It’s good to have him back.”
Despite the washout, Curran’s performance offered a positive note for England as they prepare for a busy international schedule.
