Australia spin legend Shane Warne has raised questions over Sam Curran’s place in England’s playing XI in the ongoing Test series against India.
The all-rounder, who has played a key role in England’s series win over India at home in 2018, is struggling badly this time around against the same opponent.
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In the three Tests that Curran has played in this series, he has claimed just three wickets at a below-par average of 79.33. Known for his vital contribution with the bat down the order, the southpaw has made only 74 runs in five innings at 18.50, which include a couple of ducks.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Warne termed Curran as a 'bits-and-pieces' cricketer and expects his exclusion from the playing XI for the fourth Test, due to be played at the Oval from September 2.
"I don’t think Curran plays [in the next Test]. As the fourth seamer batting at No 8, he hasn’t scored a hundred or taken a five-for, I don’t see what he is in the team for. He is a good cricketer but a bit “bits-and-pieces” for Test cricket.
"I would like to see something more specific, whether that’s Wood or a spinner, if it is going to turn. Maybe a Leach or a Parkinson," Warne said.
He also suggested the hosts to open with Zak Crawley in the next Test match.
"[Dawid] Malan is an experienced player with talent but more importantly a hunger. He said he never gave up hope and still had a passion for Test cricket and I thought he went out there and did a great job. The side just looks better with Malan at No 3, although I would have Zak Crawley opening the batting as I think he is a talented player with a lot to offer. Him opening and Malan at No 3 and that batting line-up suddenly looks very good," Warne said.
England hammered India by an innings and 76 runs in the third Test at Headingley. The home team bowled out the visitors for 78, 278 in the two innings and England piled up a massive 432 in their only innings.
"England were just relentless [at Headingley]. If they did overpitch or bowl a bit wide, they were back on it next ball and hunted in packs. [James] Anderson and [Ollie] Robinson were as good as it gets – the ball was talking and they were challenging techniques. I don’t think it was bad batting. Sometimes we are too quick to criticise a batting side when they fall over and in this case I think we have to say well done to England," Warne concluded.
