Ben Curran joins brothers Sam and Tom in extending family cricketing legacy

Ben Curran, brother to England internationals Sam and Tom Curran, has earned his first call-up to Zimbabwe's national team for their upcoming series against Afghanistan.

The left-handed batter has been included in the ODI squad for the three-match series, which begins on 11 December in Harare.

This selection marks a unique chapter in the Curran family's cricketing legacy. While Sam and Tom have established themselves in England's national setup, Ben has chosen a different path, representing Zimbabwe.

The 28-year-old began his professional career in England, playing County Cricket for Northamptonshire since 2018 and featuring in The Hundred. His recent shift to Zimbabwe's domestic cricket paved the way for his inclusion in the national side.

Ben, the middle sibling among the Curran brothers, follows a rich cricketing lineage.

Their grandfather, Kevin Patrick Curran, played seven first-class matches in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) during the late 1940s, even facing the touring Australians in 1949.

Their father, Kevin Malcolm Curran, was also an accomplished all-rounder for Zimbabwe, playing 11 ODIs between 1983 and 1987, scoring 287 runs and taking nine wickets.

Sam, the youngest of the three brothers, is currently one of England's most vital players, while Tom, the eldest, has also represented England across formats.

Zimbabwe has also named 18-year-old Newman Nyamhuri in both the T20I and ODI squads. Nyamhuri shone in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup as Zimbabwe's top wicket-taker and recently delivered standout performances in domestic cricket, including a four-wicket haul for Southern Rocks.

The series against Afghanistan begins with three T20Is on 11, 13, and 14 December, followed by ODIs on 17, 19, and 21 December, all to be held in Harare.

The teams will then head to Bulawayo for a two-match Test series starting on 26 December.