Zimbabwe’s new-found hero Ben Curran staying grounded

STAFF WRITER

Much as Ben Curran felt very proud of his maiden century in his fledgling international career, he preferred to speak modestly of his heroics in Zimbabwe’s thumping nine-wicket victory over Ireland on Tuesday to clinch the series, as sharing credit for it with his teammates.

It reveals something about the Chevrons’ new-found star – humility and professionalism.

The son and grandson of former Zimbabwe national team players, and the middle brother of current England stars Tom and Sam, Northampton-born Curran has recently dedicated his international career to the African country, the birthplace of his father and grandfather, Kevin Curran Jr and Kevin Curran Sr, both deceased.

The 29-year-old opening batsman’s magnificent century at Harare Sports Club was the bedrock of a destructive batting exhibition by the Zimbabwe top-order. Curran finished undefeated on 118, facing 130 balls and smashing 14 boundaries.

Captain Craig Ervine played a crucial supporting role in an attacking innings of himself, ending 69 not-out after cracking five fours and three sixes. Curran’s opening partner Brian Bennett, another bright prospect for Zimbabwe, also looked solid for his 48.

“Getting the series win is one to remember,” Curran told reporters on Tuesday.

“We played very well today as a team, to restrict them to 240 was an exceptional effort so ja, just happy to here and pleased to contribute.”

Curran’s appetite for the game is unquenchable. Ever since he started coming to play domestic cricket in Zimbabwe in 2020, in-between his contract with English county side Northamptonshire, Curran hasn’t stopped playing, piling on the runs every season for Masvingo-based Southern Rocks.

But he isn’t getting carried away, despite Tuesday’s milestone, which will go a long way in appeasing Zimbabwe’s long-suffering fans.

“Time on the crease has helped me going into international cricket,” Curran said.

“It’s important for me to try keep it simple, stick to the basics and not get too far ahead of myself.”

English-born Curran was raised between the UK and Zimbabwe, spending his young days in one of the African country’s prime farming districts of Rusape, his father’s birthplace, and later in the capital city Harare.

The attachment to the country has never diminished.

“it’s very special for me to be back here in Zimbabwe, there is a lot of cricket left for me here in Zimbabwe, ultimately to win games. There are a few World Cups coming up and that’s a target as a team,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s ODI series win comes after defeat to the Irish in the single Test in Bulawayo. The three-match T20I series begins with a double-header at the weekend, at Harare Sports Club.

Currant isn’t in the T20 squad. Rest assured, though, that he will not be sitting on his laurels. He will already be fine-tuning and looking forward to the next game, domestic or international, ethics shaped by the Curran boys’ workaholic late father.