Ben Curran has been named in Zimbabwe’s ODI squad against Afghanistan, following an exceptional domestic season. He is the leading run-scorer in Zimbabwe’s 50-over competition and also excels in red-ball cricket. The ODI series will start on December 17, preceded by T20 matches from December 11 to 14.
Ben Curran, the younger brother of England cricketers Sam and Tom, has been selected for Zimbabwe’s upcoming one-day international series against Afghanistan. At 28 years of age, Curran follows in the footsteps of his father, Kevin Curran, who represented Zimbabwe in 11 ODIs from 1983 to 1987 and later served as the national team’s head coach. This marks Curran’s debut call-up to the national team following a stellar domestic performance where he emerged as the leading run-scorer in Zimbabwe’s 50-over format, boasting an impressive average of 64.50.
In addition to his success in one-day formats, Curran has excelled in red-ball cricket, leading with an average of 74.14, while the T20 competition has yet to commence for the season. The ODI series consists of three matches, starting on December 17, preceded by T20 matches from December 11 to 14. Following these matches, a two-Test series is scheduled to begin on December 26, with the squad for this contest still to be announced. Notably, Zimbabwe is slated to meet England in a one-off Test match at Lord’s in May 2025. Curran’s brothers, Sam and Tom, both have extensive international careers playing for England, with Sam still actively participating in white-ball formats and Tom last playing in 2021.
This article highlights Ben Curran’s significant achievement of being named in Zimbabwe’s national cricket squad for an ODI series against Afghanistan. The importance of family legacy in sports is underscored, particularly how Curran’s father, Kevin, laid the foundation for representing Zimbabwe in cricket. Moreover, it underscores the competitive nature of domestic cricket in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the performance standards required for national selection, as demonstrated by Curran’s outstanding statistics in both One Day and red-ball formats. The article also situates this selection within the broader context of Zimbabwe’s cricket calendar, noting upcoming matches and the potential impact of player performances on national representation.
In summary, Ben Curran’s inclusion in the Zimbabwe national squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan marks a pivotal moment in his cricketing career, reflecting his diligent efforts in domestic leagues. His family’s rich cricketing heritage adds a personal dimension to his selection. As Zimbabwe prepares for multiple fixtures, including ODIs and Tests, the attention will be on Curran’s ability to translate his domestic success onto the international stage.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
