England all-rounder Sam Curran has suffered a major setback in his bid to return to Test cricket after being ruled out for the remainder of the home season due to a groin injury. The 28-year-old was expected to come into England’s plans for the ongoing Test series against Pakistan and had been in contention to make his first Test appearance since 2021.

Curran was scheduled to undergo groin surgery after the conclusion of The Hundred, but the injury has now brought his season to an early end. Surrey confirmed the development, stating that Curran had been assessed for the problem and would undergo surgery, ruling him out for the rest of England’s home campaign.

The setback is particularly disappointing for Sam Curran after England’s new chief selector Marcus North indicated that the all-rounder could be considered as an option following Ben Stokes’ retirement. Stokes stepped away from Test cricket after England’s 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand in June, leaving the team searching for greater balance in the middle order and bowling attack.

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North had previously highlighted Sam Curran as a player England valued highly and suggested that the Surrey all-rounder could potentially become an option during the Pakistan series. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a natural candidate to help fill the void created by Stokes.

Update: Sam Curran will miss the rest of England’s home fixtures this season due to a groin injury, while Will Jacks is recovering having had a successful operation to remove his appendix pic.twitter.com/wlozOAvX7l

— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 20, 2026

Curran’s injury is not the only setback for Surrey and England. Fellow Surrey player Will Jacks has also been ruled out of the Pakistan Test series after undergoing emergency surgery to remove his appendix. However, Jacks could still return for England’s upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, which will conclude the men’s international home season.

Surrey confirmed that Jacks is recovering well following the successful operation and that his availability will be assessed ahead of the Sri Lanka series.

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Meanwhile, Surrey handed Indian batting all-rounder Mahipal Lomror his debut in the County Championship clash against Nottinghamshire at The Oval. His compatriot Rahul Chahar missed the game because of a neck issue. For Sam Curran, however, the immediate focus will be on recovery as his latest injury delays his long-awaited return to Test cricket.