Online Reporter
FORTY two years after the late Kevin Curran made his ODI debut for Zimbabwe at the ‘83 Cricket World Cup in England, a member of his family has finally scored a century on the international stage.
Kevin is the father of cricketers Tom, Sam and Ben Curran.
Tom and Sam chose to play for England while Ben is playing for Zimbabwe.
Kevin made his ODI debut on June 9, ‘83, against Australia at the Cricket World Cup.
He never scored a century on the international stage and neither have Sam and Tom.
Now, Ben has ended that lengthy wait with his match-winning knock as Zimbabwe won the third ODI against Ireland on Tuesday to secure the series.
Ben said he was proud to represent the Chevrons.
“To perform in a winning cause like this is just brilliant. In the first two games, I didn’t face that many balls in the power play.
“But today, a few hit the gaps and I got going. The surfaces were pretty similar, but it was easier to bat on today in the afternoon. Really proud to be here representing Zimbabwe.”
Sam took to his official X handle to congratulate his brother’s batting performance.
“Goosebumps, what a boy, so amazing.”
Ben also earned praise from former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop, who highlighted the similarities of the Zimbabwe batter with his England brothers on his social media account.
“Bats like Sam, resembles Tom. Wonderful story that the last of the Curran family to enter international cricket, is the first of the to score an international century.
“Ben Curran has played a skillful and well paced knock that ushers Zimbabwe to an ODI series win over Ireland,” Bishop posted on X
Ben, the middle of three sons of former Kevin, who made his international debut last year, struck a career-best 118 not out to lead Zimbabwe to a commanding nine-wicket over Ireland.
A regular in English County, Kevin made 11 ODI appearances for the national team from 1983 to 1987, while his eldest and youngest sons Tom and Sam represent England on the international stage.
Neither of the three all-rounders were able to match Ben’s feat of an international century.
Kevin recorded 25 centuries in first class and 1 List A hundred.
Sam scored a first class hundred in 2022 and another century in the T20 format last year, but is yet to reach the triple figure mark on the international stage.
Sam has scored six fifties in his international career with a highest score of 95* in ODIs, while Tom, who is more of a bowler, is yet to hit a half-century in international cricket. — Agencies/Sports Reporter.
