"This is as big as it gets. Being involved in an Ashes series is a thing that I dreamed about as a kid."
Friday 10 November 2017 17:41, UK
Tom Curran has admitted being called up to England's Test squad for the Ashes Tour in Australia is the realisation of a dream.
The 22-year-old is uncapped at Test level but following England's injury issues in the bowling department, including Jake Ball's right ankle sprain, could force himself into contention for a Test debut in an Ashes series.
The first Test match begins in 13 days' time at the Gabba in Brisbane and Curran has revealed he can't wait to experience the "opportunity" that has been presented to him.
"This is as big as it gets," Curran said after arriving in Australia. "Being involved in an Ashes series is a thing that I dreamed about as a kid.
"It's a great opportunity for me to just be in and around it, keep learning, spending time and watching the best in the world is an opportunity I can't wait to grab."
The South African-born English cricketer was called up to Trevor Bayliss' England squad following the withdrawal of the injured Steven Finn, who has a torn left knee cartilage and admitted he was 'overwhelmed' when he was given the news.
"It was very overwhelming," added Curran. "It is a day you dream of as a kid. To be in and around a Test squad is something I am very proud of."
Curran, whose brother Sam also harbours hopes of international recognition, has already represented England in both the T20 and ODI formats of the game, taking a wicket on only the second ball of his maiden T20 match, and believes that will help him overcome the inevitable nerves.
"Before my first T20 game I was really nervous," admitted Curran. "It was all new to me and after that first game I gained a lot of confidence.
"In my second T20 I felt a lot more at home. I think I took that into the ODI and I do think that gives me a lot more comfort in my own skin coming into this environment."
Curran links up with county colleague and England opener Mark Stoneman in Australia and the son of the late ex-Zimbabwe, Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire all-rounder Kevin has admitted that Test cricket recognition is the "ultimate".
"Test cricket is the pinnacle for us as cricketers," he said. "One-day cricket and T20 cricket is obviously a big part of the game now but as cricketers that (Test cricket) is the ultimate.
"It's an experience I can't wait to take and experience all these grounds in Australia. It's a great environment to be involved in."
England's bowling attack is expected to be lead by experienced pair James Anderson, who was named as England's vice-captain for the Ashes series, and Stuart Broad but Curran hopes to impress the coaching set-up with England's third and last warm-up game in Townsville, starting on Wednesday.
"That's in an ideal world - when asked you have got to be ready to play," Curran said. "If I get given that opportunity I will obviously be ready."
