England vs India: Sam Curran backs Harry Brook's potential Test captaincy as Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue included in playing XI

Sam Curran has backed Harry Brook to be the next England Test captain, but remained tight-lipped on his own prospects as a potential white-ball skipper should Brook take on the role.

Curran has been included in the playing XI for England’s second T20 against India at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports on Saturday at 2.30pm, in a line-up which also hands a T20I debut to Josh Tongue and sees a return for Jofra Archer, replacing Saqib Mahmood and Luke Wood.

All-rounder Curran returned to the squad for the series after an impressive T20 World Cup campaign – in which he was a key performer – and could be in the running to take the reins from his team-mate if it is determined that the Yorkshire batter could not hold both the limited overs and red-ball captaincy at the same time.

Tipped for his own Test return amid the retirement of resident all-rounder Ben Stokes, Curran cited Brook’s experience and leadership qualities before placing his support behind him to fill the vacancy.

“[Brook] has been amazing with us,” Curran said. “We’ve had a really successful six months. It’s been really enjoyable.

“He’s obviously such a world-class player and only he will know if he can do all three jobs – but my experience with him, it’s been amazing.

“If he does, who knows what will happen.

“He’s probably going to be the only guy who can judge whether he can do all of them, but he’s a phenomenal player and I’m sure if he does, guys will back him.”

Curran currently serves as Surrey’s captain in the T20 Vitality Blast and MI London captain in the Hundred, but was quick to fend off suggestions that he could be next in line as international white-ball skipper.

“Well, I don’t know, of course,” when asked if he would take the captaincy.

“But like I said, Brooky has done an amazing job with us. Everyone’s speculating, I think it’s pointless in a way.

“Let’s just try and crack on with this series and see how we go, because I think this team’s doing really well.

“[I’ll] just enjoy being back in the side – I had time out of it, and it’s been great [to be back in].”

With the role of fast-bowling all-rounder in the Test team now up for grabs, Curran did not rule out a comeback to red-ball cricket after five years away from the longer format.

“Stokesy’s going to be a big gap to fill for whoever takes that role, but I love playing for England,” he said.

“There’s obviously going to be a lot of noise on whoever takes that spot. I don’t want to put pressure on myself, (but) I’m a competitive person – whatever challenge is thrown at me, I’ll try my best.

“So whatever format that is, I’ll do my best whenever I can. We’ve got a big series here, so I’m focused on that and then we’ll see what happens later on. I’m feeling good. It’s a long summer ahead.”

England XI to face India

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue.

Curran praises ‘incredible’ Sooryavanshi – but warns of ‘different’ England challenge

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is part of India’s squad and the teenage phenomenon – who led the IPL in run-scoring and strike rate – and is being tipped for a potential debut after being left out of both of India’s matches in Belfast.

“Well, I guess it’s an incredible story!” Curran said. “I watched a lot of the IPL from home and it’s just watching a guy who makes it look looks so easy.

“It’s truly incredible and – rightly so – he’s getting the attention he deserves.

“England will probably be a different challenge as well.

“The surfaces are very different, a lot slower than in India. Guys can have their plans and all this kind of thing. He’s so raw, he’s just having the time of his life isn’t he?

“We will have our plans, of course, but I’m not saying they’re the right plans [to combat him]. You never know because he’s playing really well.

“Playing for India at 15 years old is such a cool story. Even as opposition, you’ve got to admire his skill.

“But at the end of the day, it’s bat vs ball – me as a bowler, I’ll try and execute my skills.”

England’s home series against India fixtures

First T20 (Wednesday July 1) – No result – match abandoned
Second T20 (Saturday July 4) – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (2.30pm)
Third T20 (Tuesday July 7) – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (5.30pm)
Fourth T20 (Thursday July 9) – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol (5.30pm)
Fifth T20 (Saturday July 11) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton (2.30pm)
First ODI (Tuesday July 14) – Edgbaston, Birmingham (11am)
Second ODI (Thursday July 16) – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (1pm)
Third ODI (Sunday July 19) – Lord’s, London (11am)

Watch India’s white-ball tour of England, from July 1-19, live on Sky Sports. Not got Sky? Stream cricket and more with NOW.

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