Arundel: Zimbabwe’s top-order batter Ben Curran has been ruled out for four to six weeks after suffering a fractured right hand during a warm-up match against South Africa. The injury occurred on the second day of play at Arundel, when a sharp delivery from Kagiso Rabada struck him in the fifth over of Zimbabwe’s innings.
Curran, who retired hurt on 4, was treated on the ground before undergoing an X-ray which confirmed the fracture. Fortunately, surgery will not be required, but his participation in Zimbabwe’s upcoming Test series against South Africa — beginning June 28 in Bulawayo — is now in serious doubt.
Setback Ahead of Crucial Fixtures
This is a significant setback for Zimbabwe, as Curran had cemented his spot at the top of the order since debuting in December 2024. The 28-year-old left-hander has featured in six Tests and six ODIs, and is yet to make his T20I debut.
The match at Arundel, which does not have first-class status, was marred by weather disruptions, with only one full day of play completed. Rabada’s fiery spell also saw Brian Bennett dismissed and Nick Welch’s bat broken by Lungi Ngidi, underscoring South Africa’s aggressive preparation for the World Test Championship final against Australia on June 11 at Lord’s.
Zimbabwe’s Packed Calendar
Following the Arundel fixture, Zimbabwe returns home to host South Africa for two Tests and a T20I tri-series that includes New Zealand. Later this year, they are scheduled to play two Tests against New Zealand, the T20 World Cup Qualifiers, and two Tests against Afghanistan.
Curran’s injury leaves Zimbabwe’s top order vulnerable ahead of a challenging international schedule, and the team will now have to look for a reliable replacement to face a formidable South African pace attack.
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