England all-rounder Sam Curran set for Test return: His numbers
What's the story
Sam Curran, the talented all-rounder who last played a Test match in 2021, is likely to be considered for a return in England's squad for the third Test against Pakistan. The news was confirmed by Marcus North, the England selector. He revealed that Curran's absence from the squad for the first two Tests was mainly due to fitness concerns.
Career trajectory
Curran's all-round abilities
Curran, who made his Test debut at 19, has played 24 matches between 2018 and 2021. However, he has focused mainly on white-ball cricket in the last five years.
North said Curran's all-round abilities have made him a "player of interest" since Ben Stokes's retirement.
He could be considered for the third Pakistan Test on September 9.
Fitness update
His bowling workload has been carefully managed
After missing the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a groin injury, Curran returned as a specialist batter in the T20 Blast. He has since increased his workload over the summer.
He played a key role in England's white-ball series against India, bowling his full 10-over quota in two ODIs.
However, he missed a Hundred match last week with a niggle and didn't bowl when he played on Sunday night.
Prospects
North confirms four-man seam attack for first two Tests
North emphasized that Curran could play a key role in the future as an all-rounder.
He said, "Sam has had a really heavy workload this summer playing a tremendous amount of cricket, and during that time he's been doing so with a couple of niggles, which you expect most bowlers do."
North also confirmed that England are likely to pick a four-man seam attack for the first two Tests against Pakistan.
Career
A look at his numbers
Curran made his Test debut in 2018 against Pakistan at Headingley, Leeds. His last Test was against India at the same venue in 2021.
In 24 Tests, the all-rounder has taken 47 wickets at an average of 35.51. His tally includes 2 four-wicket hauls.
Curran also has 815 runs with the bat at an average of 24.69, including three half-centuries.