Curran fired up about T20 Cup chances

SAM Curran admitted to some trepidation about contemplating his involvement in the T20 World Cup after he was struck down by injury just a couple of weeks before England’s last campaign.

Twelve months ago, Curran was already in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the global event – on Indian Premier League duty for Chennai Super Kings – when a stress fracture in his lower back was detected.

Curran was therefore cruelly ruled out before the start of the tournament, where England reached the semifinals, and he also missed last winter’s Ashes as he spent seven months on the sidelines.

While he shone in England’s T20 series-opening win against Australia on Sunday, Curran was reluctant to think about playing in England’s first World Cup group game against Afghanistan on October 22.

“It’s a scary thing to get excited about because I missed the last World Cup and we’re nearly there, but there’s still two more games (against Australia to come) as well,” the 24-year-old left-armer said.

“Missing last year’s World Cup was gutting. I probably didn’t play much red-ball cricket this summer due to the body. The main focus has always been trying to get fit for this.

“I know for myself I’ve probably just got to keep trying to put in some performances and if it works, it works, and if it doesn’t I’ll keep smashing away.

“I’m sure whoever plays against Afghanistan will be delighted but it’s a tournament where it’s going to take a whole squad to win. The guys are really excited.”

The seam bowling all-rounder’s variations came to the fore at the weekend as he successfully defended 16 off the last over at Perth’s Optus Stadium - the venue where England will start their World Cup campaign.

Curran, who has a habit of making crucial interventions for England, claimed two wickets in that last over as England secured an eight-run win ahead of this week’s double header at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.

“It’s great to be in those situations,” Curran said. “Those are the moments you want to be involved in and hopefully we can keep getting better in those phases when the game’s on the line.”