Sam Curran, England’s all-rounder is rested as part of England’s rotation policy for the two Tests in but will be joining the side for the remainder of the series. He is expected to fly to India on February 11.
In a chat with TOI, the 22-year-old revisited the 2018 India-England series which saw him arrive on the international stage, the IPL, his growth as a player and more.
Sam Curran Confident That India vs England Series Will Be Great With Two Really Strong Teams
Sam Curran has played 21 Tests scoring 741 runs averaging 25.55 and picked 44 wickets averaging 32.52. The 2018 Pakistan series was his debut Test series but he played only 1 Test. In the next series against India, he scored 272 runs averaging 38.86 in 4 Tests besides taking 11 wickets averaging 23.55. He failed to replicate that success in next Tests with both bat and ball as he didn’t get much opportunity in Tests.
“I think it’s going to be a great series with two really strong teams. Anytime England tours India it’s a really tough one. But I’m really confident it’s going to be a great series and to be back in India will be great,” Sam Curran on upcoming India-England series.
“Personally, I do have some great memories from that series. It was my first real taste of international cricket. It does seem quite a long time ago now but I’ve definitely got that in my mind to give me confidence. But I’m always looking ahead. If given the opportunity to play Test cricket in India it will be amazing, and hopefully I can contribute to the team,” on memorable maiden Test series in 2018.
“I think it’s definitely better than being stuck in the cold back in England. But I think to be playing 2 Test match series in Sri Lanka before a series in India will be great for us to get used to the very warm conditions, and sometimes the wickets can be similar. To be playing competitive cricket before the series is great, as I personally learn a lot whilst playing in matches,” on coming to India after Sri Lanka series as conditions are similar.
“I think over the last few years I’ve been incredibly lucky to be able to share the dressing room with some amazing players that have played international cricket for so long, being able to ask questions, watch how the top players train has really helped me and playing a few games at the top level has taught me that you have to learn and adapt really quickly,
“The more games you play in high pressure situations makes you learn really quickly. MS’s comments were very kind and it was incredible to have those moments with him during the IPL and to learn from someone who has done it all,” Sam Curran on growth as player.
England will be serving a six-day quarantine after landing in India and get only three days to train before the first Test, starting Feb 5 in Chennai.
Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Rory Burns, who have been rested for the ongoing series in Sri Lanka, arrived in India before others and the trio will get five days to train following their hotel quarantine. In 14 IPL games that Sam Curran played this season, he took 13 wickets averaging 26.46 besides scoring 186 runs for Chennai Super Kings.
Sam Curran: Match Winner Ben Stokes Is Someone To Be Watched And Admired
All Rounder Ben Stokes, pacer Jofra Archer and reserve opener Rory Burns on Saturday had their first training session at the Chepauk in Chennai after completing six days of hard quarantine, while other members of the squad cleared their second COVID-19 test.
“Stokes has been great for me. He is someone I watch and admire. He puts in match winning performances with both bat and ball on such a consistent basis. Being able to play with him and learn from him is great for me,” on Ben Stokes.
“It’s hugely challenging, there’s no two ways about it. But, as a player, I’m doing my best to adapt and leave those decisions to the management who we also know are doing their best to adapt and provide safe conditions for all the players both physically and mentally, as well as keeping the game alive during these times,” on bio-bubble.
“I think everyone reacts differently in these sorts of circumstances. It’s a very strange world we are in right now. Some people cope better than others and no-one’s situation is the same. You don’t know what people’s personal circumstances are and that’s a concept which is often overlooked,” on cricketers pulling out to Covid-19 fears affecting other players who stay.
England led by Joe Root and India will play in a four-Test series, with the first two matches set to play in Chennai, before the series moves to Ahmedabad for the final two Tests. Notably, Mark Wood and Sam Curran have been rested by England for the first two Tests against India, starting on 5 February in Chennai.
The England selectors have rested Jonny Bairstow for the first Test, while wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler will return home after the first Test.