All-rounder Sam Curran on Tuesday, November 19, said he is eyeing to cement his spot in England's Test side by contributing with both bat and ball if he is given the nod ahead of Chris Woakes for the upcoming New Zealand Test series starting Thursday, November 21, 2019.
Curran admitted that he was frustrated being out of England XI throughout the 2019 Ashes series, as Woakes was preferred over him for the home series against Australia.
However, the 21-year-old, who has featured in 11 Tests, scoring 541 runs and taking 21 wickets for England, is now aiming to shed his “vulnerable” tag, as he is looking forward to making the most of the opportunity if he gets picked for the upcoming 2-match Test series against the Black Caps.
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As per reporters in ICC’s official website, Curran said: “There was [frustration], but the team was in a good place going into the Ashes. I was in all the squads, so that was a confidence booster. At the same time you'd love to be playing, and as the series went on you're itching to get out on the field.”
He continued, “I think if I do get the chance it is about nailing down my spot in the side and stop being the one that is vulnerable. That is my responsibility and whoever gets the spot, if it is me, has to take the opportunity by getting runs and taking wickets and contributing to the team. If I do get the nod, hopefully, I can go well and contribute with both bat and ball.”
Meanwhile, being an all-rounder, Curran wants to get inspiration from England’s star Ben Stokes – who played a key role in the Three Lions’ World Cup 2019 triumph and drawn Ashes series.
He added, “As an all-rounder, I look up to someone like Stokesy (Ben Stokes) and the way he contributes with the bat up the order and he takes wickets when he bowls and that is what I aspire to do. As long as I am helping to win games for the team then I am happy.”
The left-hander also was also highly impressed by the pace sensation Jofra Archer, saying bowling alongside him would be "exciting" for England.
Curran signed off by saying, “He’s an amazing bowler and one you want on your side. I’m sure he’s going to be raring to go and it will be exciting to be playing on the same team as him. I don’t think our batters would want to be facing him. Hopefully, he can ruffle a few feathers.”
(With ICC inputs)
