Northamptonshire signed batsman Ben Curran, brother of England internationals Sam and Tom, on a two-year contract.
Batsman Curran, 22, made his first-team debut for the Steelbacks against Derbyshire in the Vitality Blast last week.
Ben’s late father Kevin was former Northants captain and he is the middle brother to Tom and Sam, who have played for England.
If Ben does represent his country, the Currans will join a proud group of brothers to have played international cricket.
Here we take a look at five such cricketing siblings.
CHAPPELL BROTHERS
Ian was one of the finest players and captains produced by Australia. Scored more than 5,000 runs and took over a 100 catches. Became a world-famous writer and commentator. Brother Greg was an accomplished batsman who amassed more than 7,000 Test runs. Became a coach of repute, leading India before moving back to Australia. Trevor is unfortunately remembered for bowling an underarm delivery against New Zealand at the instruction of his captain Greg.
(l-r) Greg Chappell, Richard Hadlee and Ian Chappell.
HADLEE BROTHERS
Richard is one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game, snaring 431 wicket sand scoring more than 3,000 Test runs. Carried New Zealand cricket on his shoulders for years. The Kiwi’s brother Barry played two ODIs, one of them at the 1975 World Cup. Dayle was a decent seam bowler, taking 71 wickets in 26 Tests.
MOHAMMAD BROTHERS
Hanif was one of the greatest batsmen produced by the subcontinent. He played 55 Tests from 1952 to 1970, averaging 43.98 and scoring 12 tons. Called the original ‘Little Master’. His brothers Mushtaq, Sadiq and Wazir all played Tests for Pakistan. Wazir played 20 Tests, Mushtaq 57 (3,643 runs, 79 wickets) and Sadiq 41 (2,579 runs).
The original ‘Little Master’ Hanif Mohammad with Sachin Tendulkar in Karachi in 2006.
JOYCE SIBLINGS
One of the most accomplished cricketing families. Ed has represented England in ODIs and is a Test cricketer for Ireland. Has scored six centuries in ODIs. His brother Dom has played three ODIs for Ireland while sister Cecilia has played 98 internationals for her country and Isobel more than a hundred including one Test.
GRACE BROTHERS
WG Grace, the grand old man of cricket. The Englishman played 22 Tests and scored more than a 1,000 runs in the late 1800s. Changed the way batsmen played the game, brought in crowds through his batting and made cricket in England a spectator sport. Brothers Edward and Fred played one Test each. Interestingly, all three brothers played in the same match against Australia at The Oval in 1880.
