Most eyes are, understandably, on the Ashes slightly than this collection.

It shouldn’t be forgotten, nevertheless, that this was the primary of solely six T20s England have earlier than the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka begins in February.

Whereas Bethell, who flickered in hanging a superb straight six earlier than falling to a prime edge for 15, can press their case to play in opposition to Australia, Curran is a kind of with essentially the most to achieve earlier than the World Cup.

The 27-year-old was picked for the primary time in any format underneath coach Brendon McCullum final month and gives a second seam-bowling choice within the batting-heavy facet Brook’s England favour.

Having seen Bethell, Buttler, who made 29, Jordan Cox and Tom Banton chip catches into the air on a floor that nipped for the short bowlers and held for the spinners, Curran was lucky to be dropped on 14 by bowler Jacob Duffy and at deep additional cowl by Tim Robinson when he had 26. Each had been easy possibilities.

Whereas at no level did Curran discover his greatest batting rhythm, he remained calm to energy the spectacular left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner for one six over long-off and flicked a full toss over sq. leg in a last over from which he took seamer Duffy for 19.

This match won’t final lengthy within the reminiscence, however Curran at the least took benefit of what restricted alternative he was given.