Ben Curran, Zimbabwe’s opening batsman, is facing up to six weeks away from the cricket field following a fractured right hand. The injury occurred during a practice match against South Africa in Arundel when Curran was struck by a delivery from Kagiso Rabada. Forced to retire hurt after scoring just 4 runs, Curran was treated on-site before an X-ray confirmed the fracture.
The good news is surgery won’t be necessary, but his recovery time may still keep him out of Zimbabwe’s upcoming home Test series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on 28th June in Bulawayo.
Ben Curran, the middle sibling among the well-known Curran brothers—alongside England internationals Sam and Tom—made his Zimbabwe debut in December of the previous year. He has appeared in six Test matches and six One-Day Internationals, though he has yet to earn a cap in Twenty20 Internationals. Despite the Arundel game not holding first-class status, Curran opened the innings for Zimbabwe.
During South Africa’s batting innings, which saw them declaring at 313 for 2 after 79 overs, Rabada and Marco Jansen bowled effectively, maintaining pace and discipline. Rabada managed to dismiss Brian Bennett at the gully following Curran’s injury, while Lungi Ngidi later broke Nick Welch’s bat in a tense spell near the day’s end.
The match’s progress has been hindered by weather, as the opening day was washed out, and the forecast for the remaining days isn’t promising. Rain delays have pushed back play until the second session on Thursday, with Friday’s outlook similarly bleak. This weather disruption could see South Africa heading into the World Test Championship final against Australia with limited match practice, as they prepare for three days of training at Lord’s ahead of the 11th June final.
Zimbabwe’s cricket calendar is packed following the Arundel encounter, as they prepare to host South Africa for Tests and a tri-series Twenty20 International involving New Zealand. Later in the year, they will face New Zealand in two Tests, compete in T20 World Cup Qualifiers, and play two Tests against Afghanistan.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s correspondent for South Africa and women’s cricket.
