Tom Curran, the third-highest wicket-taker among overseas bowlers in the Big Bash League (BBL), has signed a two-year pre-draft deal with the Melbourne Stars for the 2024-25 season. The move comes after a tumultuous season with the Sydney Sixers, where he was suspended for intimidating an umpire.
Despite taking 3 for 19 in the game where he was suspended, Curran only appeared in two more matches before a knee injury ended his campaign. The Sixers have since reassessed their overseas options, with a spinner reportedly high on their list.
However, Curran believes he left the Sixers on good terms. “I don’t feel like it was an issue with the Sixers,” he said. “We fought the case together and they backed me.”
Curran is currently playing for the Oval Invincibles in the Hundred, having recovered from a broken forearm. The injury was a reminder of the dangers bowlers face, particularly in T20 cricket.
“It was nasty,” he said. “It could have been so much worse if it had got me in the face.”
Curran has previously fought back from two stress fractures of the back and has opted to step away from red-ball cricket. While he is not consumed by the prospect of an England recall, he is confident he could make a success of it.
“I feel like I’m a better all-round player than I was then,” he said. “I know my value now.”
