Zimbabwe cricketer Ben Curran urged his team to be well-prepared for the second Test-match against Bangladesh on April 28 in Chattogram.
The visiting Zimbabwean side jagged over Bangladesh in the opening Test match by three wickets by chasing down 174, their highest successful run chase in Test cricket.
The 28-year-old admitted that the upcoming second Test will not be an easy outing and have to work hard. The Northampton-born cricketer acknowledged that the Bangladesh cricketers will aim to jump on us heavily and was happy to put in a lot of effort in this series.
“We are expecting Bangladesh to come really hard at us. We are not expecting this to be an easy game. We have to work hard for every moment. We can hopefully put in a similar performance to last game. We are delighted to win the game. It is my first Test win. It is a great feeling having put in a lot of hard work leading into the series. Obviously, the series is not done [yet]. There’s a big game to come in the next few days,” Curran told reporters ahead of the Chattogram encounter.
Conditions will be different here from Sylhet: Curran
The left-handed batter admitted that the team is confident after the victory and will try and adapt quickly as the game in Chittagong will bring different challenges. The batter was also excited about the victory in the first Test match and insisted that the win will give an immense boost to move forward.
“The boys are confident. We will keep doing our processes right. Conditions will be different here from Sylhet. We have to adapt to that as quickly as possible. Each game brings different challenges, so we look forward to it. Winning Tests always gives guys confidence. Everyone is going to take different learning from the win in Sylhet. As long as we are prepared to move forward as individuals, we are in a good place,” he said.
Williams, Ervine key to my growth: Curran
The Zimbabwe batter acknowledged that Sean Williams and Craig Ervine helped him to develop his skills and abilities. He admitted that as he was new to international cricket and their energy supported him to improve his growth in the cricketing field.
“I am relatively new in international cricket so I am like a sponge trying to learn as much as I can from Sean (Williams) and Craig (Ervine). It will help my development. I will be silly if I didn’t try to tap into their experience. I try to learn as much as I can from the (Williams and Ervine) and its vital for my growth,” he said about his teammates.
Proud to represent Zimbabwe: Curran
The batter admitted that it was a great honour to represent Zimbabwe and mentioned that he would get advice from his brothers, Tom and Sam Curran occasionally. He acknowledged that it was very enjoyable to represent the country where he grew up during his childhood.
“I grew up in Zimbabwe. Circumstances took me to England. I played there for a few years, and then I returned to play for Zimbabwe. It is a great honour and privilege. I am really enjoying my cricket at the minute. I speak to them on most days, especially during a game. I just check in with them. We are a very close-knit family. I will see them soon. We will look back at this with fond memories. For now, I am trying to enjoy playing for Zimbabwe,” Curran concluded.