Zimbabwe have called up Ben Curran, brother of England internationals Tom and Sam, to their Test squad for the Test series against Afghanistan starting later this month.
The three brothers are the sons of former Zimbabwe international Kevin Curran, who represented the country at two World Cups in 1983 and 1987, before coaching the side between 2005 and 2007.
Sam and Tom have played for England on multiple occasions, but Ben has pursued cricketing opportunities in his father's country of birth. Earlier this month, he was named in Zimbabwe's squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan – his first call-up in international cricket.
Curran made 15 on debut, opening the batting in the first three-match series on December 17. He was run out for a duck yesterday as the hosts slid to a massive 232-run defeat in Harare. The third ODI is scheduled for tomorrow (December 21).
Ben Curran earns maiden Test call-up for Afghanistan series
Yesterday, Zimbabwe also announced the squad for their two-Test series against the same opposition which begins on December 26. Both matches will be in Bulawayo.
Curran is one of seven players who have received a call-up for the series, alongside Johnathan Campbell, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Nyasha Mayavo, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwa Chataira and Newman Nyamhuri. 18-year-old pacer Nyamhuri made his international debut alongside Curran in the ODI series.
Curran started his first-class career at Northamptonshire in England, where he was born – averaging just under 26 with the bat in 26 matches for the county. Since moving to Zimbabwe, he has represented Rhinos and Southern Rocks in the first-class system, racking up four centuries and six half-centuries in 20 matches, averaging 48.
Zimbabwe squad for Test series against Afghanistan
Craig Ervine (c), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Takudzwa Chataira, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.
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