Sam Curran Aims to Complete the Circle

From a humble farm in Rusape, eastern Zimbabwe, the Curran brothers have carved unique paths in the world of cricket, yet all are united by their father’s legacy and their shared passion for the sport. Sons of Kevin Curran, one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated cricketing exports, Tom, Sam, and Ben were destined to follow in his footsteps, though each has taken a distinct route to success.

A Legacy Rooted in Zimbabwe

Kevin Curran’s cricketing prowess first shone during Zimbabwe’s historic victory over Australia in their inaugural ODI at the 1983 World Cup. His 70-run sixth-wicket partnership was pivotal in that match, marking the beginning of a storied career. Over 11 ODIs, Kevin accumulated 287 runs and took nine wickets before moving to England, where he enjoyed a flourishing county career with Northamptonshire, passing 1,000 runs in five seasons. Returning to Zimbabwe in the early 2000s as a national coach, he brought his family back to their roots, giving his sons the opportunity to grow up immersed in the nation’s cricketing culture.

However, tragedy struck in 2012 when Kevin died suddenly during a morning run at the age of 53. The Curran brothers, then teenagers, moved to England to continue their education and cricketing pursuits. Tom and Sam were picked up by Surrey, where their careers flourished, eventually leading them to represent England and win World Cups. Ben, the middle brother, followed a different path, moving to Northamptonshire before returning to Zimbabwe to reconnect with his heritage and pursue international cricket.

Tom and Sam: England’s Cricketing Stars

Tom, the eldest, was scouted by Surrey while playing school cricket in South Africa on a scholarship. His younger brother Sam soon followed, and both became integral to Surrey’s squad and England’s national team. Tom, now focusing on white-ball cricket, and Sam, tipped for a Test cricket return, have consistently showcased their talent across all formats. Together, they represent the success of their family’s transition to English cricket, though their Zimbabwean origins remain an indelible part of their story.

Ben’s Journey Back to His Roots

Unlike his brothers, Ben has taken a road less travelled, choosing to re-establish his connection to Zimbabwe. After four years with Northamptonshire, he returned to his birthplace, where his performances in the Logan Cup—Zimbabwe’s premier domestic league—have turned heads. Scoring 458 runs last season, including a century and two half-centuries, Ben has positioned himself as a strong contender for the national side.

Ben’s aspirations aren’t merely about following his father’s legacy; they hold the potential for a unique cricketing moment. With Zimbabwe set to play England in a one-off Test next year, the possibility of Ben competing against his brothers looms large. Reflecting on this, he acknowledged the mix of emotions such an encounter would evoke, particularly for their mother, who would undoubtedly experience a whirlwind of feelings watching her sons on opposite sides of the pitch.

A Deep Connection to Zimbabwe

Ben’s bond with Zimbabwe runs deep. Having spent his formative years in the country, he remains closely tied to its culture, lifestyle, and cricketing scene. Speaking about his childhood, he recalled growing up in a sports-oriented farming community in Rusape, where cricket became second nature. His competitive spirit, nurtured by family and environment, led him to represent Zimbabwe’s under-13 side before moving to England at 16.

In contrast to his brothers, who moved to England earlier and have spent limited time in Zimbabwe since, Ben has maintained a consistent connection. Over the past five years, he has returned to play for teams like Southern Rocks and Mid West Rhinos during the English offseason, honing his skills in Zimbabwean conditions. His commitment extends beyond cricket; he cherishes the country’s relaxed lifestyle, spacious outdoors, and close-knit family ties.

Following in His Father’s Footsteps

For Ben, the parallels between his career and his father’s are striking. Like Kevin, who played for Northamptonshire and later coached Zimbabwe, Ben’s journey bridges the two cricketing worlds his father once straddled. During his time at Northamptonshire, he frequently heard stories about his father from coaches and former teammates, deepening his appreciation for Kevin’s legacy. Now, with his return to Zimbabwe, Ben hopes to carry forward the family tradition.

"It's full circle, right? He played at Northampton, I did, and now I'm hopefully going to go back and also represent Zimbabwe, where he played and also coached, so it would be great if that happened."

"There's always a chance, I've just got to go back and perform consistently, and that gives me the best opportunity. At the end of the day, it's results-based. It's one of those where I've got to do all I can, and control what I can control, and hopefully that puts me in the best position going forward."

Looking Ahead

Ben’s immediate focus remains on performing consistently in Zimbabwe’s domestic cricket scene. With a strong showing for the Mid West Rhinos and upcoming opportunities like the Zim Afro T10 league, he aims to solidify his case for national selection. While he recognises the competitive nature of international cricket, he remains optimistic, admitting the importance of controlling what he can and letting his performances speak for themselves.

For the Curran brothers, cricket is more than a career; it’s a shared legacy shaped by their father’s influence and the unique experiences of their upbringing. Whether on opposing sides in an international match or united by their love for the game, the Curran brothers exemplify the enduring power of family and passion in sport.