Ben Curran Set to Make Zimbabwe Debut Against Afghanistan, Becomes Fourth in Curran Family to Get International Nod

Add as a preferred source on Google

Ben Curran, the middle sibling in the Curran family, is set to make his international debut for Zimbabwe in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. He will become the fourth Curran to play international cricket and the first since his father, Kevin Curran, to represent Zimbabwe.

Ben’s selection has been met with pride by his brothers. Sam Curran expressed his delight on social media, saying, "Such special news, couldn’t be happier for you. Someone will be looking down with a huge smile on their face today," referring to their late father, Kevin. Tom echoed the sentiment, adding, “Very proud."

Kevin Curran played 11 ODIs for Zimbabwe, amassing 287 runs and taking nine wickets. While he spent much of his career in English County cricket, Kevin returned to Zimbabwe as a coach, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s cricketing landscape before his untimely passing in 2012.

Who is Ben Curran?

Born on June 7, 1996, in Northampton, England, Ben Curran is the second son of former Zimbabwean cricketer Kevin Curran. He is older than Sam but younger than Tom, both of whom have carved impressive careers representing England. Unlike his siblings, Ben’s journey takes a divergent path, leading him to represent the land of his father’s roots.

A left-handed batsman, Ben made his domestic debut for Northamptonshire in 2018 but has since shifted his focus to Zimbabwe. Spending a significant part of his childhood in the African nation while his father coached the national team, Ben’s connection to Zimbabwe runs deep.

This season, he emerged as the leading run-scorer in Zimbabwe’s Pro50 Championship and Logan Cup, with stellar averages of 64.50 and 74.14, respectively.

Ben’s aggressive top-order batting style could provide the firepower Zimbabwe needs. His domestic performances this season underline his ability to perform under pressure, making him a vital addition to Zimbabwe’s ODI setup.

Catch Ben Curran’s international debut in the first ODI on December 17, as Zimbabwe take on Afghanistan in what promises to be an exciting series.