India vs England 2021: Sam Curran Ruled Out Of 4th Test Due To Logistical Challenges In Travelling Solo

England all-rounder Sam Curran has been ruled out of the fourth Test match in the ongoing series in India, which stands level at 1-1 mid-way. While Curran was given an extended rest from the first three Tests, he will not be available for the fourth Test match as well.

The left-hander was earlier expected to land in time in Ahmedabad and finish his quarantine before the last Test which commences on 4th March. However, due to the logistical challenges in travelling solo during the Covid-19 pandemic, he won’t be allowed to travel.

Since there are no direct flights from the UK to Ahmedabad, the idea of Curran having a stop-over was fraught with the risk of not maintaining social distancing and him being contracted with the virus. England has been using charter flights for their team to travel in the pandemic era – however, for a solo passenger, the cost of a charter flight was prohibitive.

Sam Curran to play in the T20I series and then in the IPL 2021

Hence, now, Sam Curran will travel with England’s white-ball squad on February 26th, undergo a 6-day quarantine before the 5-match T20I rubber beginning March 12th in Ahmedabad.

“Originally it was planned the Surrey all-rounder would fly to Ahmedabad in time to be available for the fourth test in the city. However, in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, making security arrangements for such a journey proved too great a logistical challenge,” the ECB said in a statement.

The diminutive all-rounder was the key factor in England winning the Test series against India at home in 2018; Curran was named the Man of the Series for his match-changing efforts on several occasions.

The 22-year-old played in the two Tests in Sri Lanka before returning to England for a rest along with Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood. While Bairstow and Wood have returned to India and will be available for selection for the pink-ball Test in Ahmedabad, Curran was rested from the third Test.

He is selected in the T20I team and maybe rested again from the ODI as the Surrey all-rounder will feature in the IPL 2021 for the Chennai Super Kings; Curran was retained by the MS Dhoni-led franchise after his brilliant performance last season.

Also Read: IPL 2021: 5 Players Who Weren’t Sold In The Auction But Teams Hired Them Later