Tom Curran desperate to stake World Cup claim in Sri Lanka
Tom Curran is hoping to use the ODI series against Sri Lanka to establish himself in England’s side ahead of next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup.
The fast bowler was part of England’s ODI tours of Australia and New Zealand earlier this year but injuries meant he was unavailable for national duty this summer.
The 23-year-old watched on as his younger brother Sam impressed during England’s Test series versus Pakistan and India – he was named England’s Player of the Series in the latter.
Sam Curran was named England’s Player of the Series versus India
England’s five match ODI series commences on Wednesday and Curran hopes to impress in the absence of fellow quicks Liam Plunkett (for first three matches) and David Willey.
“I came back from the IPL and picked up a couple of niggles when we were playing Australia so that was very frustrating but at the same time you get time to reflect and set goals,” Curran told Sky Sports.
Tom Curran was one of England’s star performers in the Australia ODI’s
“It’s hard to think too far ahead, but it’s [also] hard not to think of the World Cup, so it will just be about small steps – get in the side for the first ODI, push on in this series, take that through to West Indies and then next summer.
“There was that five-wicket haul against Australia which was almost ‘right, you can do it at this level’ – when you make your debut there will be nerves, more about doing it on this stage – now it’s about making it permanent in the side so I’m one of the first bowlers on the team sheet.”
Commenting on his brother’s breakthrough summer, Tom added: “It all happened so quickly. One day you are playing in the garden together and the next thing you are watching him to do it in a Test match. I’m so proud and hopefully it’s just the start.”
