KKR rope in Curran as Starc's replacement

Two-time Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Surrey and England fast bowler Tom Curran as the replacement for the injured Australian pacer Mitchell Starc.

Starc was ruled out with a stress fracture, paving the way for the 23-year-old Englishman to make his IPL debut.

A yorker specialist, Curran also bowls a deceptive, back-of-the-hand slower ball, and his skills were on full display in a thrilling ODI against Australia in January.

Curran claimed a wicket with his second ball in his T20I debut for England.

A utility batsman with a strike-rate of 128.36, Curan has played over 51 T20s with the highest score of 51 not out.

He also joins fellow Surrey player Jason Roy in this year's competition after the batsman was picked up by Delhi Daredevils during the January auction.

"I'm thrilled and excited to be joining Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL. I know from chatting to other players I can learn a lot from being in that environment, skills that I hope will benefit Surrey and my chances of representing England again this year and if selected, for next year's World Cup," he was quoted saying in the Surrey website.

He will join the squad before KKR's opening game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Eden Gardens on April 8.