England considers recalling Sam Curran for third Test vs Pakistan

England selector Marcus North said Sam Curran will not be included in the first two Tests against Pakistan because of lingering niggles after a heavy summer workload. North added that it would be "unfair to put him into these first two Tests" and that the medical staff will monitor his fitness in the coming weeks.

Curran missed the 2026 IPL with a groin injury and returned to competitive cricket as a specialist batter in the Vitality Blast. He has not played Test cricket since 2021, but after Ben Stokes' retirement the team sees a need for an all‑rounder. North indicated that Curran could become an option for the third Test, scheduled to start on 9 September, potentially batting at No. 6 or 7.

"With the retirement of Ben Stokes, it's quite clear that he provided us with a certain balance in the team," North said, describing Curran as a "player of interest" for England's future.