Tom Curran’s Journey: From Controversy to a Fresh Start

Tom Curran, a prominent overseas bowler in the Big Bash League (BBL), particularly among fast bowlers, has enjoyed several successful seasons. However, last season was a challenging one for him, as much of the attention he received stemmed from his suspension for intimidating an umpire.

Curran was suspended for four games after he approached fourth umpire Muhammad Qureshi during warm-ups before a Sydney Sixers match against the Hobart Hurricanes. Despite taking 3 wickets for 19 runs in that game, including his 50th wicket in the tournament, Curran only played in two more matches after his suspension. The Sixers’ appeal against his ban was unsuccessful, and his season was cut short by a knee injury. Now, Curran is set to return to the BBL for the 2024-25 season with a new team, having signed a two-year pre-draft contract with the Melbourne Stars. He will be available for the entire competition. Meanwhile, the Sixers are reassessing their overseas player options, with a focus on finding a spinner following Steve O'Keefe's retirement. Despite the tumultuous season, Curran believes he left the Sixers on good terms.

Reflecting on the situation, Curran told that the events of last season were not how anyone had hoped they would unfold. He didn’t feel there was an issue with the Sixers, as they supported him during the case, which he greatly appreciated. Whenever he played for the Sixers, he felt proud of his contributions, both on and off the field, immersing himself in the team culture and forming lasting friendships.

Curran had an inkling that the Sixers were exploring other overseas options and couldn’t offer the same level of commitment as the Stars. This realisation made him feel that it was the right time for a change. With multi-year contracts, he values loyalty and prefers stability rather than frequently changing teams.

Curran acknowledged that the way his time with the Sixers ended wasn’t ideal, but he emphasised that the decisions made were not reflective of the people he dealt with or where his loyalties lay.

Currently, Curran is playing for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred as they defend their title, having recovered from an injury that nearly ended his season. While bowling for Surrey in the T20 Blast against Middlesex, a slower ball he delivered was powerfully struck back at him by Luke Hollman, breaking his left forearm just above the wrist.

Following surgery to insert a plate in his arm, which accelerated his recovery, Curran returned to action after six weeks, although he now wears a protective carbon fiber guard. The incident served as a reminder of the risks bowlers face, especially in T20 cricket. Curran noted that the injury could have been much worse if the ball had hit his face or his right arm or hand.

In 2017, Otago fast bowler Warren Barnes drew attention for using protective headgear during a Super Smash game, and in 2019, former New Zealand seamer Andrew Ellis wore a baseball catcher's helmet after being struck previously. However, protective gear for bowlers remains a challenge.

Curran mentioned that bowling can be particularly dangerous, especially for certain players. He considers himself a standard bowler, but notes that many bowlers are in vulnerable positions after delivering the ball, with their heads down and little time to react to a straight hit. He expressed surprise that more injuries haven’t occurred, given the power with which batsmen strike the ball nowadays. He suggested that bowlers might consider wearing some form of protective masks, although he acknowledged the difficulty since mobility is crucial when bowling.

Curran has previously battled back from two stress fractures in his back during 2022 and 2023, which led him to step away from red-ball cricket. His last T20I appearance for England was in 2021, and while the prospect of a national recall doesn’t dominate his thoughts, he is confident in his ability to succeed if given the opportunity. Since resuming bowling last July, Curran has taken 33 wickets at an average of 16.21, with an economy rate of 7.88, and has maintained a batting strike rate of 160.61, including a standout performance in last year’s Hundred final.

Curran remarked that the roles he plays are quite specialised, and the biggest challenge is consistency, which he feels he has managed well. However, his focus isn’t consumed by the idea of an England recall; instead, he’s motivated by contributing to the teams he plays for and winning titles. After years of reflecting on his career, Curran believes he’s a better all-round player now, with a clearer understanding of his value. Whether he gets another opportunity with England or not, he’s excited to keep contributing and achieving success with the teams he represents.