OBJ: GIANTS MUST MAN UP
AdAm HOLLIOAKE knows a thing or two about entries into international cricket.
His brother Ben stole the show back in 1997 when he plastered Glenn McGrath’s bowling all over Lord’s in a one-day debut still talked about more than 20 years later.
Now another young Surrey star is delivering for England.
And Hollioake (above) believes there are parallels between the extraordinary talent shown by Sam Curran this summer and the gifts of his brother before his life was tragically cut short in a car crash in March 2002.
Ben was just 19 when he made his England bow at Lord’s 21 years ago.
Curran was the same age when handed his first Test cap by former Surrey great Graham Thorpe on the Headingley outfield in June.
The impact he had over the rest of the summer ensured that the now 20-year-old is one of the most talked about young talents in world cricket as England prepare for their first one-day international against Sri Lanka this week.
And Hollioake believes that this is just the start.
He said: “The person that springs to mind is my brother Ben when you talk about the impact that Sam has had.
“I’ve seen guys who bowl faster than him, I’ve seen guys that swing the ball more than him, I’ve seen batsmen who are more complete.
“But I don’t think I’ve seen – including my brother – somebody who has their game so together at that age.
“Yes, he has definite ability, but he’s not lightning fast, he’s not swinging the ball three feet, but he has this amazing ability to read the game.
“He has a 20-year-old’s body with a 27-year-old’s approach. I just think he’s absolutely remarkable.
“England already look a better team with him in it, which is just amazing.
“You look at Ben Stokes, who is arguably the best all-rounder in the world, and then you add someone who can come in and perform like Sam. He’s just so level-headed, ODELL BECKHAM JUNIOR has demanded that his team-mates show they care – or forget about any chance of the Super Bowl.
The New York Giants have lost three of their opening four games and face a tough test on the road tonight against the Carolina Panthers. They a great individual to have in your side.
“When I was 19, I was still getting into fights in the pub, and not really understanding what being a professional cricketer was all about.
“I just think that Sam is pretty unique.”
Curran certainly appeared that way this summer, with his batting rescuing England in more than one occasion.
He also had the happy knack of breaking up partnerships when tossed the ball by Joe Root.
And it’s his ability to stand up when England need him most that makes him a virtual shoo-in for an Ashes place next summer.
Hollioake said: “I don’t think The Ashes will faze him. You just can’t see him not being part of that side.
“A series against India at home is almost as big as an Ashes series, and look what he did there.
“The only thing that might challenge him is playing against different attacks in different conditions around the world.
“But he’s a quick learner.” play again on Thursday night against defending champions Philadelphia.
One defeat would hurt the Giants’ season, while two would likely finish it, but OBJ won’t throw in the towel without a fight and wants his team-mates to stand up too.
He said: “A lot of it has to do with the energy that we don’t have, that we don’t bring every single day. I’m a passionate, energetic person. I always have to have that. If I don’t, it’s going to be a problem for me. We just need to play with some heart.”
Beckham’s latest outburst – which included questioning why he wasn’t getting more of the ball was refuted by Giants head coach Pat Shurmur.
Shurmur, annoyed when asked if Beckham had a point, said: “That’s probably a better question for him.
“But our team has a heck of a lot of heart and energy. It’s just we haven’t executed quite as well as we need to.”