Ben Curran Sidelined with Fractured Hand, Faces Long Recovery

Ben Curran Suffers Hand Fracture, Ruled Out of Zimbabwe’s Home Tests vs South Africa Ben Curran has been ruled out of Zimbabwe’s upcoming home Test series against South Africa after fracturing his right hand on Day 2 of the ongoing warm-up match at Arundel. Curran was struck by a Kagiso Rabada delivery in just the fifth over of Zimbabwe’s innings and retired hurt on 4. An x-ray later confirmed the fracture. The injury is not expected to require surgery, but Curran is likely to be sidelined for 4–6 weeks, ruling him out of Zimbabwe’s two-Test series against South Africa starting June 28 in Bulawayo. Curran, the middle brother of England internationals Sam and Tom Curran, made his Zimbabwe debut in December last year and has since played six Tests and six ODIs, primarily as an opener. He is yet to feature in T20Is. The warm-up match has seen limited play due to rain, with only one full day possible so far. South Africa declared on 313 for 2, with Rabada and Marco Jansen impressing early. Rabada struck again after injuring Curran, dismissing Brian Bennett caught at gully. Persistent rain has affected the match schedule, with no play possible on Day 1 and limited chances on Day 3 and Day 4. This could leave South Africa with minimal match practice ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia, beginning June 11 at Lord’s. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will return home to prepare not only for the South Africa Tests but also for a busy season including: A T20I tri-series (with New Zealand), Two Tests vs New Zealand, The T20 World Cup Qualifiers, and Two Tests against Afghanistan.