England have rested all-rounder Sam Curran for the first two Tests against India in Chennai as part of the team's rotation policy for its players amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Curran will be joining the side for the last two Tests, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad. The 22-year-old had played a key role in England’s Test series win over India in 2018 and he is keen to replicate the same on this occasion as well.
“Personally, I do have some great memories from that series. It was my first real taste of international cricket. It does seem quite a long time ago now but I've definitely got that in my mind to give me confidence. But I'm always looking ahead. If given the opportunity to play Test cricket in India it will be amazing, and hopefully I can contribute to the team,” Curran told TOI in an exclusive chat.
Both the teams are coming into the series with historic triumphs away from home. While India defeated Australia 2-1 to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, England whitewashed Sri Lanka 2-0 in their own backyard.
Asked if playing a series in Sri Lanka was ideal before taking on India, Curran said: “I think it's definitely better than being stuck in the cold back in England. But I think to be playing 2 Test match series in Sri Lanka before a series in India will be great for us to get used to the very warm conditions, and sometimes the wickets can be similar. To be playing competitive cricket before the series is great, as I personally learn a lot whilst playing in matches.”
During the IPL 2020, Sam Curran plied his trade for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and he was hailed as a complete cricketer by his skipper MS Dhoni.
Talking about his progress in international cricket in the last couple of years, the youngster said: “I think over the last few years I've been incredibly lucky to be able to share the dressing room with some amazing players that have played international cricket for so long, being able to ask questions, watch how the top players train has really helped me and playing a few games at the top level has taught me that you have to learn and adapt really quickly, the more games you play in high pressure situations makes you learn really quickly. MS's comments were very kind and it was incredible to have those moments with him during the IPL and to learn from someone who has done it all.”
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, cricket is being played inside a bio-secure environment with everybody associated with the series and tournament undergoing several checks for the virus.
Sharing his experience of staying in bio-bubble, Curran said: “It's hugely challenging, there's no two ways about it. But, as a player, I'm doing my best to adapt and leave those decisions to the management who we also know are doing their best to adapt and provide safe conditions for all the players both physically and mentally, as well as keeping the game alive during these times.”
According to TOI, Sam Curran will fly from UK on February 11. While the third Test is scheduled to be played from February 24-28, the fourth Test will be held from March 4-8.
