England all-rounder Sam Curran has missed out on selection for the first two Tests of the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan, but the 27-year-old remains firmly in contention for a return later in the series. England selector Marcus North confirmed that Curran’s omission was purely fitness-related, with the left-arm seam-bowling all-rounder currently managing a few minor injuries after an intensive domestic schedule.
The England management is hopeful he can recover in time to be considered for the third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled from September 9 to 13. Speaking about the decision, North highlighted Curran’s importance to England’s long-term plans, especially following Ben Stokes’ retirement from Test cricket.
“With the retirement of Ben Stokes, it’s quite clear that he provided us with a certain balance in the team. Sam Curran is certainly a player of interest for us,” Marcus North said.
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He explained that Curran had endured a demanding summer and had been carrying several niggles, even missing a match for MI London in The Hundred due to injury.
“At this stage, we don’t feel he’s physically ready for the first two Tests. Our medical staff will work closely with him over the coming weeks, and we hope he becomes an option for the third Test. We value him highly and see him playing an important role as an all-rounder in the future,” Marcus North added.
🚨 COMEBACK FOR SAM 🚨
As per reports, Sam Curran is likely to make a comeback to England’s Test team for the 3rd Test against Pakistan ✅
Source : Cricinfo/Sportskeeda@englandcricket #SamCurran #England #ENGvPAK #CricketX pic.twitter.com/X9Hah71Z7Z
— the_cricket_web (@the_cricket_web) August 6, 2026
Curran made his Test debut against Pakistan at Headingley in 2018 but has not featured in the longest format since August 2021. Despite his prolonged absence, the left-hander has compiled a respectable Test record, scoring 815 runs and claiming 47 wickets in 24 matches.
North also admitted that a fully fit Curran would likely have been included in the squad, with England viewing him as the ideal replacement to restore the balance lost after Stokes’ exit. “He’d be in the squad, and that would give us the flexibility of playing Sam Curran at No. 6 or No. 7, or alternatively fielding six specialist batters with Jamie Smith,” Marcus North explained.
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If Curran regains full fitness in the coming weeks, England could receive a significant boost for the final Test as they look to strengthen both their batting depth and seam-bowling options against Pakistan.
