Cricketing siblings representing different countries: Curran brothers join list

Cricketing siblings representing different countries: Curran brothers join list

When Ben Curran took to the field to make his international debut for Zimbabwe in an ODI against Afghanistan on December 17, the Curran’s became one of a few sets of siblings to have played for different international sides.

While Ben is now the stalwart of three ODIs and a single Test, Sam Curran has made 117 appearances for England across all three formats. Elder brother Tom Curran has also made 60 appearances for England across formats.

Some other examples of siblings playing for different international teams are:

When Ed Joyce strode out to the middle to make his ODI debut for England against Ireland in 2009, he would have been immensely comforted to see a familiar face as his opposing number in the Irish team; his younger brother Dom. Neither would perform particularly well in the match(Ed scored 10, Dom scored 0), and Ed would play another 16 ODIs for England before switching to Ireland as well, with whom he had a solid international career. Dom would play only two more games for Ireland. 

Followers of Indian domestic cricket will recognise Rishi Dhawan as a domestic powerhouse, who also turned out for the national team in three ODIs and one T20I for India. His elder brother Raghav is also an international cricketer, having made his debut for Uganda in 2024 and appeared in 11 T20Is for them. 

Hailing from a famous cricketing family, Frank Hearne made his international debut for England against South Africa in 1889. Three years later, he was making his debut for South Africa against England, for whom he would play four times. Also playing in that match were Hearnes’ brothers Alec and George, in what would be their only game for England. Both Alec and George were also regulars for Kent. 

James Pattinson was one amongst a host of high-quality fast bowlers that Australia produced in the 2010s, and played 40 games for the side across all three formats. His elder brother, Darren, who was born in England, was also a bowler who made a solitary appearance for England courtesy of his British passport, taking two wickets. 

Albert Trott made his international debut for Australia under the captaincy of his older brother Harry, but though he performed well, the series would prove to be his only one for the Aussies. Instead, he would move over to playing for England, where he would play another two Tests. Harry, meanwhile, had a more stable career, playing 24 times for Australia while also captaining on several occasions.