A year ago, Sam Curran had watched on as his teammates began their T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE, sidelined by what would soon become a hallmark of authenticity among English seam bowlers: a stress fracture of the back.
In Perth on Saturday, the Surrey all-rounder set about making up for lost time, marking a belated international tournament debut by becoming the first England men’s player to take a T20 five-for as Jos Buttler’s side began the Super 12 with a five-wicket victory over Afghanistan.
