Sam Curran reveals that he was playing his natural game and not trying to prove a point

The Surrey cricketer was dropped from the playing XI in the previous game but when he was recalled in the side for the fourth Test, he impressed one and all with his batting in the lower-middle order by scoring 78 off 136 balls. Curran’s knock rescued the hosts from a disastrous position of 86/6 and took them to a respectable total of 246 runs in the first innings.

Speaking to media after the game, Curran said, “I was disappointed but luckily I'm back in the team now. I wasn't proving a point at all. I was just playing the way I do, naturally and freely. I was unlucky obviously last week to miss out. There are some great names in the team and I'm learning so much."

Curran scored his second half-century in just four Tests. Earlier in the series, he put up a similar effort to help the Englishmen recover in the first match at Edgbaston, where he was named Player of the Match. The 20-year-old said that he loves both batting and bowling and wants to contribute whenever there is an requirement for the team in any department.

"I just tried to play my natural game. I love being in the side and I almost played with no fear, tried to be nice and positive and get some partnerships, not try to overthink it. Luckily enough it came off and we have a decent score on the board.

"I love batting and bowling. I'd like to be up the order a bit more at Surrey. I just look at the way Ben Stokes contributes and that's what I want to do. That's what all-rounders love doing: big performances when the team need you,” Curran added.