Pallekele, Sri Lanka – England’s versatile all-rounder Sam Curran has once again expressed his comfort with the adaptable role he’s been assigned in the national team, just months before the T20 World Cup kicks off. Fresh off a stellar performance in the ongoing white-ball series against Sri Lanka, Curran showcased his dual skills with both bat and ball.
In the third T20I on February 3 at Pallekele, Curran smashed an unbeaten 58 off 48 balls, steering England to a crucial victory. His match-winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award. Earlier in the series opener, he claimed a hat-trick, underlining his bowling prowess.
Reflecting on his evolving responsibilities, the 25-year-old said, ‘I know my role with the ball is going to be quite flexible. I’m really happy with that.’ Curran emphasized his desire to impact games regardless of the situation. ‘Hopefully, when I’m not bowling well, I can bat well, and when I’m not batting well, I can bowl well. I think that’s my rationale,’ he added.
Curran’s journey has been remarkable. During the 2022 T20 World Cup, he was England’s key pace bowler, delivering in the final against Pakistan to secure the title. He walked away with both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honors.
This time around, he’s shouldering more batting duties, often at number six. This shift highlights his growth as a cricketer. Curran credits franchise cricket for honing both facets of his game. ‘I love my batting, I love my bowling,’ he shared.
As England fine-tunes its squad for the World Cup, Curran’s adaptability and willingness to evolve make him an indispensable asset. His multifaceted contributions could prove pivotal in the global showdown.