England all-rounder Sam Curran recalled feeling 'gutted' when he wasn't considered to replace an injured Ben Stokes in the Test series at home against Sri Lanka. Curran who has not played a Test since 2021 said that he thought it was his way back into the side. However, it seems like he does not fit the bill in the type of side head coach Brendon McCullum wants.
"I'll be totally honest, when Stokesy got injured, I did probably think that was my way back into the Test team," Curran told talkSPORT. "A couple of weeks back, I had a meeting with Keysy [Rob Key, director of cricket] just to get a bit of understanding of where the group is, and how I see myself getting back into the Test side.
"Being a young player who experienced Test cricket so young, I feel like I had an advantage to know what it's about, to know what winning a Test match is, and the grind and the grit and attitude that you need … so I was a little bit gutted. Selection is selection, but I thought that was my way back into the side at the minute.
"They've got their own structure at the minute, and they're picking the guys that fit that environment, and there's a big thing going on at the minute about extra pace and stuff like that. And I guess for 12 months' time, and the Ashes, these are the guys they want, so you can't question it until the plan comes to an end."
The all-rounder who won the 'Player of the series' award in England's T20 World Cup 2022 triumph in Australia is looking to perform at every opportunity he gets, be it franchise leagues or county cricket.
"The way the teams are being set up now, guys are getting picked for certain skills and a bit out of the unknown. As a county player, it's an interesting one, because you've got to hope that you fit that mould right now. And if you don't, you've just got to crack on and win games for your franchise and your counties, and just hope that that call comes,” the 26-year-old said.
"There's actually nothing you can do about it. If you fit what they're looking for, you're great. But if you don't, it actually might not be an ability thing," he added.
Curran’s Test numbers
The southpaw's Test numbers are not too impressive. From 24 Tests, he has taken 47 wickets at an average of 35.51. He is yet to take a five-wicket haul. With the bat he averages 24.69 scoring 815 runs from 38 innings including three fifties.
Stokes yet to get match-ready
Stokes injured his hamstring during the Hundred 2024. He missed the Test series against Sri Lanka at home as Ollie Pope took over the captaincy duties. He has been named in the Test squad for Pakistan tour but missed the ongoing first Test in Multan.
