Sam Curran Reflects on Test Snub and Hopes for a Fresh Start on England’s Caribbean Tour

Sam Curran didn’t hold back on his disappointment at missing out on a Test recall after Ben Stokes’ hamstring injury last summer. Despite the setback, he’s now focusing on England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean, where he aims to remind selectors of his potential across formats. Sam Curran, the standout player of the Final and…


Sam Curran Reflects on Test Snub and Hopes for a Fresh Start in England's Caribbean Tour

Sam Curran didn’t hold back on his disappointment at missing out on a Test recall after Ben Stokes hamstring injury last summer. Despite the setback, he’s now focusing on England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean, where he aims to remind selectors of his potential across formats.

Sam Curran, the standout player of the Final and Tournament of England’s T20 World Cup win two years ago, finds himself at a crossroads. Though just 26, he’s still searching for a clear role in England’s white-ball setup, which contrasts sharply with his more defined roles in the franchise scene. He’s aware that his style doesn’t quite match the high-speed, towering bowling attack that England’s new head coach, Brendon McCullum, seems to favour.


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This year hasn’t been the best for Curran on the international stage. His recent T20 outings saw him struggle, managing only three wickets in a high economy, and he last played for the ODI team in December 2023. Meanwhile, he hasn’t donned the Test whites since August 2021. While his record of 16 wins in 24 Test matches speaks for itself, his style of bowling – medium pace, left-arm swing – doesn’t entirely fit the power-driven approach McCullum is promoting.

Curran suspects that, with Stokes firmly established as England’s allrounder of choice, he has few openings to showcase his skills. His most recent snub was made starker when Leicestershire’s Josh Hull, a 20-year-old with a 6’7″ frame and sharp pace, was selected for his Test debut at The Oval.

The teams are being set up now for specific skills,

Curran shared.

You hope you fit the current mould; if you don’t, you go back to performing for your county and hope the call comes.

While Curran remains realistic, the disappointment lingers.

When Stokes got injured, I thought that might be my way back,

he admitted.

I even met with Rob Key, our director of cricket, to understand where I stand with the Test side. Starting young in Test cricket, I understand the grind and grit it takes to win, so, yes, I was a bit gutted. Selection’s a tough one, and they’re focusing on extra pace right now.

England’s eight-match Caribbean tour, however, offers Curran a shot at leadership within the squad, particularly with several multi-format players away. He hopes the tour will allow him to bat higher and showcase his batting skills in a prominent role.

With Surrey and the Oval Invincibles, my role has always been clear. But with England, it’s been challenging. There are multiple allrounders like Moeen, Livingstone, Woakes, and myself competing for slots,

he said, explaining the lack of role clarity.

Ultimately, Curran remains committed to making his mark, adding,

My goal is still to get back in the England side – whether that’s Tests, ODIs, or T20s. All I can do is keep scoring runs, taking wickets, and proving myself. I’d love to make it to the Ashes or bring home another Champions Trophy. I’m someone who enjoys a challenge, so let’s hope the next few months go my way.