Ashes 2017: Tom Curran to Replace Steven Finn in England Squad

The challenge at the Ashes is a stiff one for England who were blown away during the last such series Down Under when they lost 5-0.

New Delhi: England have named Tom Curran as a replacement for Steven Finn for the upcoming Ashes series. Finn is out injured and it gives Curran an opportunity to experience top-flight cricket in Australia. 22-year-old seamer Curran is yet to play a Test match. The challenge at the Ashes is a stiff one for England who were blown away during the last such series Down Under when they lost 5-0.

Finn was injured in practice last week in Perth shortly after the squad arrived in Australia and had already been ruled out of England’s first two tour matches. A tall fast bowler, Finn has taken 125 wickets in 36 tests but has played only two of those matches in Australia, both in 2010.

The Ashes series starts Nov. 23 at the Gabba in Brisbane. England has two more warmup games, including a four-day pink ball match in Adelaide starting Wednesday, to prepare for its Ashes defense.

The inclusion of Curran who was born and raised in South Africa indicates England is still not rushing to recall Ben Stokes, who was temporarily stood down pending a police investigation into an incident outside a nightclub in September. England coach Trevor Bayliss said selectors were still considering their options on a batting a spot and another pace bowling option ahead of the first Test. (With PTI inputs)