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England all-rounder Sam Curran is set to miss the fourth and final Test against India in Ahmedabad. Curran was earlier expected to join the national squad, but will now arrive with the limited-overs squad. He will feature in the white-ball series, set to commence with the first T20I on March 12. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday that Curran could not travel on an earlier date due to logistical issues.
Notably, Curran was not part of the squad for the first three Tests against India at a time when England's rotational policy is at the forefront. As part of this arrangement, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali flew back home after playing a Test match each. Although, the board feels it will manage the workload of the cricketers efficiently, some have even criticised it suggesting that it hasn't allowed the Three Lions to put up their Best XI.
"Sam Curran will rejoin the England squad via the charter flight carrying other members of the limited-overs line-up to India, on 26 February, it was announced today (Thursday). Originally it was planned the Surrey all-rounder would fly to Ahmedabad in time to be available for the fourth Test in the city, starting on 4 March," ECB said in an official statement.
"However, in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, making secure arrangements for such a journey proved too great a logistical challenge," it added.
Chris Woakes to leave after the third Test
English all-rounder Chris Woakes is set to leave the squad as planned after the third Test against India in Ahmedabad. Sam Curran was expected to fill in Woakes place in the fourth Test, but ECB's latest update has left a place in the Test squad ahead for the fourth Test.
Additionally, Jonny Bairstow, who was rested for the first two Tests against India after England's 2-0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka is all set to feature in the day-night Test at Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Currently, the Test series is poised at 1-1 with the third Test set to commence from February 24. After the conclusion of the red-ball fixtures, both the teams will fight it out in eight limited-overs fixtures. The players, including Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler and others will then feature for their respective franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
England squad for last two Tests:
Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.