IPL: England fast bowler Tom Curran replaces Mitchell Starc at Kolkata Knight Riders

Reuters

England and Surrey fast bowler Tom Curran has been named Mitchell Starc's replacement at Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

The 23-year-old recently represented England across all formats during their tour of Australia. In one of the one-day internationals, Curran displayed his great ability to swing the ball and picked up 5 for 35 to help his team win the five-game rubber 4-1. 

"I'm thrilled and excited to be joining Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL," Curran was quoted by the Surrey website.

"I know from chatting to other players I can learn a lot from being in that environment, skills that I hope will benefit Surrey and my chances of representing England again this year and if selected, for next year's World Cup.

"I want to thank Alec Stewart and everyone at Surrey County Cricket Club for supporting my ambitions and allowing me this great opportunity. I can't wait to represent Surrey again when I return, hopefully with a few more tricks up my sleeve," he added.  

Earlier on Friday, tearaway Aussie fast bowler Starc had to pull out of the IPL on account of a stress fracture in his right leg he picked up during the third Test against South Africa. He also had to pull out of the fourth and final Test against the Proteas at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. 30-year-old South Australia fast bowler Chadd Sayers replaced him in the Aussie squad. 

 "Mitchell Starc has a 'tibial bone stress in his right leg'. He will return home for further assessment after the Test and will miss the IPL," Cricket Australia had broken the despairing news to KKR fans.

Curran's inclusion comes as a surprise to many as there were several media reports on Sunday evening that said that West Indies captain Jason Holder had a good lead over his rivals in replacing Starc.