Curran keeps it in family
TOM CURRAN took his chance in the spotlight to join the scrap for a World Cup spot.
The Surrey paceman would not have played in England’s seven-wicket win in Pallekele if it was not for Liam Dawson’s tour-ending injury.
But Curran, whose brother Sam was England’s man-of-the-series in the summer Tests against India, claimed a crucial 3-17 in another rain-hit game.
With skipper Eoin Morgan again leading the charge with an unbeaten 58 to secure a 2-0 lead with two to play, England showed once again that their one-day unit can thrive in any conditions.
With the match reduced to 21 overs after a six-hour rain delay, England overhauled Sri Lanka’s modest 150-9 thanks to Curran’s box of bowling tricks and Adil Rashid’s four-wicket
from DEAN WILSON in Kandy haul. Curran said: “There is such strong competition in the squad. Sometimes with the strength and the depth we’ve got, you only have one or two game to impress. So it’s nice to come in and make an impact.”
This was also the best all-round display from Ben Stokes in a long time as he finished 35 not out and hit the winning runs with a straight six.
But Stokes also did his bit with the ball to check Sir Lanka’s progress after the hosts raced to 55-0 from five overs.
It was Curran (right) who put the brakes on by removing Niroshan Dickwella and from there the hosts lost momentum in the following 16 overs.
Rashid, who somehow managed to grip the wet ball well enough to turn both his leg break and googly, claimed 4-36 and the man-of-the-match award.
Jason Roy’s rapid 41 took the sting out of the chase and allowed Morgan to anchor the innings, ensuring England’s unbeaten run will be extended to nine series.
Morgan said: “It was quite a long day waiting around with the rain and the delays but I can’t fault our bowlers.
“I can’t praise them enough for the work they’ve done. I thought the guys were outstanding.
“Ben Stokes hasn’t bowled a great deal this tour so far – he did a magnificent job.
“And Adil Rashid, picking up four wickets in a 21-overs game, really did halt Sri Lanka’s progress.”