PAK vs ENG: Sam Curran voices disappointment over Test omission amid Ben Stokes injury

England pacer Sam Curran has voiced his disappointment at missing a potential Test recall after Ben Stokes' hamstring injury this summer. Despite his frustration, Curran remains hopeful that his involvement in England's upcoming white-ball tour of the Caribbean will solidify his position across all formats.

At 26, Curran's international career has reached a critical juncture. The all-rounder was the Player of the Final and Tournament during England's T20 World Cup triumph in Australia two years ago, but he now finds himself at a crossroads. Curran admits he lacks the role clarity in white-ball cricket that has been key to his franchise success. Furthermore, he feels his style doesn't align with the current preferences of England's Test team under new head coach Brendon McCullum.

Curran struggled earlier this year during England's T20 title defence in the Caribbean, taking only three wickets at an average of 38.33 and facing just 11 balls across five matches. His most recent ODI appearance came in December 2023, after England's disappointing World Cup performance. Meanwhile, his last Test appearance dates back to August 2021, when he played against India. Since McCullum's appointment, Curran has not featured in any of England's 30 Tests, despite a strong record of 16 wins in 24 caps, including seven consecutive victories from his debut series in 2018.

The presence of Stokes, England's senior all-rounder, has been a key factor in Curran's absence. Curran’s medium-pace bowling and stature — at 5ft 9in — contrast with England’s current preference for taller, faster bowlers. This was highlighted by the Test debut of 6ft 7in left-armer Josh Hull at Curran's home ground, the Kia Oval.

"The way the teams are being set up now, guys are getting picked for certain skills and a bit out of the unknown," Curran told talkSPORT, as per quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"As a county player, it's an interesting one, because you've got to hope that you fit that mould right now. And if you don't, you've just got to crack on and win games for your franchise and your counties, and just hope that that call comes," Curran added.

"There's actually nothing you can do about it. If you fit what they're looking for, you're great. But if you don't, it actually might not be an ability thing," he noted.

Curran was particularly disheartened by his exclusion from the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, especially after Stokes' injury during The Hundred in August. He admitted that he had anticipated a Test recall.

"Being a player who experienced Test cricket so young, I feel like I had an advantage to know what it's about, to know what winning a Test match is, and the grind and the grit and attitude that you need... so I was a little bit gutted. Selection is selection, but I thought that was my way back into the side at the minute," he remarked.

Curran's conversation with Rob Key, England's director of cricket, left him with a better understanding of the team's direction. England's focus on extra pace ahead of upcoming major series, including the Ashes, may further limit his Test opportunities for now.

However, the white-ball tour of the Caribbean offers Curran a chance to shine. With several multi-format players resting, Curran could find himself playing a more central role, potentially batting higher up the order.