Sam Curran returns to action with the ball

The 23-year-old sustained a stress fracture in his back during the 2021 Indian Premier League

Sam Curran returned to action with the ball during an appearance for Surrey’s second XI.

The 23-year-old England international sustained a stress fracture in his back during the 2021 Indian Premier League and hadn’t bowled in a competitive fixture since October 2, when Chennai Super Kings faced Rajasthan Royals.

He made his most recent first-class appearance during the third Test between England and India at Headingley last August, bowling 19 overs and taking two wickets.

Turning out against Hampshire in the Second XI Championship, Curran picked up the wicket of Tom Prest in the 13th over before finishing the day with figures of 1 for 5 from five overs, including four maidens.

Speaking at the end of March, the Surrey allrounder identified England’s Test series against New Zealand in June as his target.

^{Sam Curran played as a specialist batter in pre-season [Mike Hewitt/Getty Images]}

"Of course, it (the back injury) is a concern, but I guess it's been an opportunity for me to have time away from the game," Curran said.

"I've really enjoyed just working on my technique - bowling technique and batting technique - which I haven't done for a long time because it's always been game, travel, game. It's always been just constant matches.

"I guess there's always going to be nerves (about) if it's healed, so that's why I'm not rushing back, I'm just managing. There's a lot of cricket this summer so I'm almost timing it that I get a good summer, make it perfectly in time for the summer Test against New Zealand in June."

Curran has made 24 Test apperances for England since making his debut in 2018, taking 47 wickets at 35.51.

He is yet to feature in the 2022 LV= Insurance County Championship but did appear in a handful of pre-season matches as a specialist batter.

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