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Ben Curran, the brother of England cricket stars Sam Curran and Tom Curran, is set to make his international debut for Zimbabwe in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. This selection marks a significant moment not only for Ben but also for the illustrious Curran family, which has a rich cricketing heritage.
A legacy in the making by Curran family
Born on June 7, 1996, in Northampton, England, Ben is the second son of former Zimbabwean cricketer Kevin Curran. His family is steeped in cricketing history; his grandfather, KP Curran, also played first-class cricket during Zimbabwe’s colonial era. While his brothers have chosen to represent England, Ben’s decision to play for Zimbabwe reflects both a personal journey and a tribute to his father’s legacy. Kevin played 11 ODIs for Zimbabwe in the 1980s and later served as the national team’s head coach.
Also READ: Ben Curran receives maiden call-up as Zimbabwe announce ODI and T20I squads for Afghanistan series
Ben Curran’s early life and cricketing journey
Ben’s early life was shaped by cricket, with much of his childhood spent in Zimbabwe while his father coached the national team from 2005 to 2007. This environment nurtured his passion for the sport. He began his professional career with Northamptonshire in 2018, making his T20 debut against Derbyshire and quickly transitioning to first-class cricket.
Despite showing promise in England’s domestic circuit, including notable performances in the T20 Blast and List A formats, Ben faced stiff competition for a spot in the England setup.
In recent seasons, Ben has excelled in Zimbabwe’s domestic competitions. He topped the run charts in both the Pro50 and Logan Cup formats, boasting impressive averages of 64.50 and 74.14 respectively. His consistent performances earned him a call-up to represent Zimbabwe, highlighting his readiness to step onto the international stage.
A new chapter defined by Ben for the Curran family
Ben’s selection for Zimbabwe signifies a new chapter for the Curran family. If he takes the field against Afghanistan on December 17, he will become the fourth member of his family to play international cricket, joining his father and brothers in this esteemed circle. This unique situation creates an intriguing narrative as Ben prepares to face off against teams that include players, he has grown up watching and aspiring to emulate.
The upcoming series against Afghanistan will not only test Ben’s skills but also provide him with an opportunity to contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s cricketing ambitions.
His left-handed batting style and ability to bowl off-spin add versatility to the team composition. As he steps into this new role, expectations will be high not just from fans but also from his family, who have expressed their pride and excitement over social media.
Ben’s journey from Northamptonshire to potentially representing Zimbabwe on an international platform encapsulates a story of determination and legacy. As he prepares for his debut, he carries with him not just personal aspirations but also the weight of family history, a blend of English and Zimbabwean cricketing narratives that enriches both contexts.
