CURRAN'S BIG BASH CLASH

England star to appeal four-game ban Down Under for intimidating umpire

- GIDEON BROOKS

ENGLAND all-rounder Tom Curran will appeal a four-match Big Bash ban after being found guilty of intimidating an umpire in a prematch flare-up.

Curran, who is playing for Sydney Sixers in the T20 tournament in Australia, was charged for clashing with official Muhammad Qureshi before a match against Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on December 11.

According to Cricket Australia, Curran completed a practice run-up and ran on part of the pitch during the warm-up before being verbally instructed by the umpire not to do so again.

Big Bash rules state only the captain and team coach are permitted to walk on the pitch to assess its condition prior to the start of play, with spiked footwear also not allowed before the match.