England recall star Sydney Sixers all-rounder Tom Curran to save their disastrous West Indies tour
The Sydney Sixers have been dealt a heavy blow on the eve of the BBL finals, with star all-rounder Tom Curran to miss the entire playoffs.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Ian Chappell's Ashes locks and losers
- AB’s blueprint to rise from the Ashes
- Concussion sub on the agenda for Test cricket
England’s woeful performances against the West Indies have cost combative all-rounder Tom Curran his chance of playing for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash finals.
No one has played a bigger part in getting the Sixers into the playoffs for the first time in two years but Curran will miss out on the finals after he was ordered to leave Australia straight after today’s final BBL game against the Melbourne Stars to join his England teammates in the Caribbean.
That was always the plan after Curran was selected for the England limited-overs squad, which will play five one-day internationals and three T20s against the West Indies from February 20.
MORE BBL NEWS
SHOCK: Renegades’ title hopes rocked by Nabi exit
ROLLERCOASTER: On-fire Heat cut Vettori loose
The Sixers had requested he stay another week after they made the semi-finals but were told he was needed right away.
“The Sixers got in contact but I think the word was they want me back,” Curran told The Sunday Telegraph.
“It’s always an honour to play for your country but it’s just been so good playing for the Sixers that it’s going to be bittersweet so I’ll be following closely from a distance.”
Curran, who has also played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, has never won a domestic T20 competitions, so was desperately hoping to play in next Friday’s semi-final against the Melbourne Renegades for the chance of a spot in the final.
MORE BBL NEWS
WILD: Heat smash records in historic Stars thumping
HOPE: Lyon’s battle to prove himself in short-form cricket
Curran’s departure is a huge loss to the in-form Sixers because of his massive contributions with both bat and ball, having scored 175 runs at 35 and captured 18 wickets, and he already wants to return in the future.
“I definitely want to come back and we’ll find out over the next few weeks what’s happening moving forward,” he said.
“I’ve built great relationships here, I’ve loved playing my cricket here and I feel like it’s been a good place for me to improve my cricket from a personal point of view and I feel like I can help the Sixers win games and trophies.”
It’s little wonder England wants Curran back so quickly after they were thrashed in the first two Tests against the West Indies but the 23-year-old said his loyalties will be split between the national team in the Caribbean and the Sixers, who he expects to go on and win the title.
“In these competitions you find that the teams that go flying out of the blocks, like the Hurricanes who are miles ahead and topped the group, they don’t often go on and win the competition,” he said.
“It’s the teams that find a way and find the right combinations and start peaking and playing their best cricket at the back end of the tournament which I feel like we’ve done so if we can go in Melbourne and take that momentum into the finals, I think the boys will be feeling pretty good about it.”
Every Test, ODI, T20I, and BBL match live. SIGN UP NOW!
Originally published as England recall star Sydney Sixers all-rounder Tom Curran to save their disastrous West Indies tour
Allan Border: Why it’s really time for the Gabba to go
He’s known for his resilience on the pitch but Allan Border has had to fight several battles off it too, all uncovered in his sit down with Crash Craddock. WELCOME TO HIGH STEAKS
How the ‘spin sisters’ can help Australia win the T20 World Cup
All eyes will be on the pace duo of Tayla Vlaeminck and Darcie Brown, who have been named in the same World Cup squad for the first time, but it’s Australia’s spinners who are set to be the envy of the competition.