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Ben Stokes and Stephen Fleming (Source: AFP)
It seems that England have started looking for Ben Stokes’ replacement after the veteran all-rounder's retirement from international cricket. The former England captain announced his retirement from international cricket on June 28.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already announced its squad for the first two Tests of the three-match home series against Pakistan.
According to a report, there is a chance that when England name their squad for the 3rd Test, they might include Ben Stokes’ best replacement.
It is important to note that the first Test will begin at Headingley in Leeds on August 19, followed by the second Test at Lord’s from August 27. The third and final match of the series will be played at Edgbaston, starting on September 9.
Sam Curran To Make Test Comeback?
According to report from Cricinfo, Sam Curran is one of the strongest contenders to return to England’s Test side as Ben Stokes' best replacement.
Selector Marcus North confirmed that Curran would have been considered for the Pakistan series had he been fully fit.
"With the retirement of Ben Stokes, it's quite clear that he provided us with a certain balance in the team," North said on Thursday. "Sam Curran is certainly a player of interest for us.
Also Read: Is Ben Stokes Eligible To Become England Head Coach?
Marcus North Explains Why Curran Was Left Out For First 2 Tests
Marcus North said England’s management highly values Sam Curran’s all-round abilities, but his current fitness level was the deciding factor behind his omission from the opening two Tests.
He also explained that Curran has played a heavy amount of cricket this summer while managing a few minor injuries. The selectors and medical staff believe giving him extra time to recover is the best decision for both the player and the team.
"Sam has had a really heavy workload this summer playing a tremendous amount of cricket, and during that time he's been doing so with a couple of niggles, which you expect most bowlers do. But at this stage with a couple of niggles - we've seen he's missed a game in the Hundred - we don't feel physically, he's just quite right there.
He added that the coaching staff will closely monitor Sam Curran over the coming weeks with the aim of making him available for the third Test against Pakistan.
"I think [it would be] unfair to put him into these first two Tests. He's someone our backroom staff and medical team will be working with in the coming weeks to make sure that he potentially becomes an option in the third Test. He's someone that we really value highly and we see playing a role in the future for us as an allrounder."
How Has Sam Curran Performed In Test Cricket?
It is important to note that Sam Curran made his Test debut in 2018 at the age of 19 and has played 24 Test matches for England. However, he has not featured in the longest format since 2021.
So far, he has made 815 runs in the longest format of the game at an average of 24.69 and a strike rate of 64.12. Now, with Stokes already retired from international cricket, this might open new doors for Sam Curran to re-establish himself in Test cricket.
Also Read: England Cricketer Announces Shock Retirement At Just 25
