Curran Forced to Retire After Blow from Rabada

During the second day of Zimbabwe’s practice match against South Africa in Arundel, Ben Curran suffered a fracture in his right hand.

Curran was hit by a ball delivered by Kagiso Rabada during the fifth over of Zimbabwe’s innings. He retired with four runs. After receiving immediate medical attention on the field, he underwent an X-ray, confirming the fracture.

Reports indicate that Curran’s injury is unlikely to need surgical intervention.

However, he is anticipated to be out of action for approximately four to six weeks. Consequently, he will miss Zimbabwe’s upcoming Test series against South Africa scheduled for later this month. The two-Test series is set to commence in Bulawayo on June 28.

Curran, the sibling of England internationals Sam and Tom Curran, debuted for Zimbabwe in December of the previous year.

Since then, he has participated in six Test matches, which includes Zimbabwe’s recent match against England, along with six One Day Internationals. He has yet to make his debut in T20 International.

Curran has been a consistent opening batsman for Zimbabwe in Test matches, including the match at Arundel, which did not hold first-class status.

Zimbabwe fielded for 79 overs before South Africa declared at 313 for 2, which allowed them an hour to bowl at Zimbabwe before the day concluded.

Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen opened the bowling attack, exhibiting both pace and accuracy. Following Curran’s injury, Rabada took South Africa’s first wicket of the tour by dismissing Brian Bennett at gully.

Lungi Ngidi came on to replace Rabada and subsequently broke Nick Welch’s bat towards the end of the day.

Due to rain on the first day, only one day of play has been possible in the three-day match. The weather forecast suggests that the third day will also be impacted by adverse conditions.

Play is unlikely to resume before the second session on Thursday, and the forecast for Friday is also unfavorable. This situation might result in South Africa heading to London with limited match practice for the World Test Championship final against Australia.

South Africa is scheduled to have three days of training at Lord’s leading up to the final, which is scheduled to start on June 11.

Following the match at Arundel, Zimbabwe will return home to get ready for both their two-Test series and a T20 International tri-series that includes South Africa and New Zealand.

Later in the year, Zimbabwe is also slated to host New Zealand for two Tests, take part in the T20 World Cup Qualifiers, and play two Tests against Afghanistan.