Sam Curran is currently in line for a potential return to Test cricket, having been excluded from England's squad for the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan primarily due to ongoing fitness concerns. Selector Marcus North indicated that while Curran was not available for the initial two matches, he remains a key figure for the team and could be in contention for the third Test, scheduled for September 9.
Curran, who debuted at 19 and earned 24 caps between 2018-21, has primarily focused on white-ball cricket in recent years. However, following the retirement of Ben Stokes, the selection panel views his all-round capabilities as vital for team balance. According to North, who was appointed as a selector earlier this year, Curran would have been included in the current squad had he been fully fit, serving as a potential option at No. 6 or No. 7.
The decision to omit Curran follows a demanding summer schedule. After missing the IPL due to a groin injury, he returned to action in the T20 Blast and participated in England's white-ball series against India, bowling his full 10-over allocation in two ODIs. However, he has struggled with minor niggles, recently missing a match in The Hundred and sitting out of bowling duties during a weekend appearance. North emphasized that it would be unfair to rush him into the first two Tests, noting that the medical and backroom staff will work with him over the coming weeks to prepare him for a return.
England's squad for the first two Tests features Jordan Cox at No. 3, with Dan Lawrence batting at No. 6. Jacob Bethell is unavailable due to a knee injury. North confirmed the team is likely to utilize a four-man seam attack for the matches at Headingley and Lord's, with Lawrence and captain Joe Root providing spin support. Shoaib Bashir remains in the squad should conditions necessitate a frontline spinner.
Preparations for the first Test on August 19 are influenced by a tight three-day turnaround from The Hundred final and the potential absence of Ollie Robinson, who is expecting the birth of a child. Pace-bowling lead Troy Cooley has provided individual workload plans to the bowlers to ensure a safe transition. Meanwhile, Rehan Ahmed was omitted to allow him to gain consistent red-ball experience with Leicestershire in the County Championship.
Although incoming head coach Stephen Fleming will not lead the side against Pakistan due to family commitments, leaving Marcus Trescothick to serve as interim coach, North confirmed that Fleming has been deeply involved in the selection process. The team aims to maintain strategic alignment with Fleming’s vision as they head toward future tours in South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia for the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG.
