Tom Curran shines before rain dampens England’s bid for Sri Lanka sweep

Rain on Sunday denied England a chance to register a series clean sweep in the one-day international series against Sri Lanka. All-rounder Tom Curran delivered with the ball for England, returning figures of 4 for 35. Sri Lanka were dismissed for a paltry 166, and England looked set for a 3-0 series win before rain played spoilsport at Bristol. Earlier, the hosts had registered a 3-0 win in the T20 series.

Tom Curran’s heroics followed younger brother Sam’s 5 for 48 in the second ODI at Oval. England went on to win the game up eight wickets.

The 2-0 ODI series win extended England’s lead at the top of the Super League, which acts as qualification for the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are still placed 11th on the table and may have to participate in a qualification tournament to take part in the marquee event.

Also read: Mithali Raj prepares for ODI world cup after setting run-scoring record

After the win, England captain Eoin Morgan praised the players for being disciplines and ruthless even after they had achieved an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Tom Curran’s wickets were his first for England in limited-overs cricket. The right-arm paceman had previously bowled 34 overs in T20s and ODIs without success.

“It is nice to get wickets today, but I haven’t felt the real need for wickets,” said Tom Curran.

“I guess it’s a funny game, sometimes you bowl really well and don’t get a wicket, other times you can cash in with some average balls,” he added.

Starting Thursday, England will take on Pakistan in a three-match ODI series.