Josh Hull was called up to the England Test squad as a replacement for the injured Mark Wood.
England have called up Leicestershire fast bowler Josh Hull to their Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka, following a series-ending injury to Mark Wood. He was forced to leave the field on day three of the Old Trafford Test after bowling his 11th over. He did not return to the field that day, and on Saturday morning, it was confirmed that he had sustained a right thigh muscle strain, ruling him out for the rest of the series.
On Sunday, August 25, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement saying, “England Men’s pace bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rothesay Test series against Sri Lanka after scans confirmed a right thigh muscle strain. Wood sustained the injury on the third day of England’s five-wicket victory in the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford, which prevented him from bowling on the final day.”
The ECB further announced that Josh Hull, a 20-year-old left-arm seamer from Leicestershire, has received his first senior call-up to replace Wood in the squad for the remaining two Tests. These matches will take place at Lord’s, starting on Thursday, and at the Kia Oval on Friday, September 6.
Standing at 6ft 7in, Hull has been a key player in Leicestershire’s bowling line-up and played a significant role in their 2023 One-Day Cup win. Earlier this month, he made his debut for the England Lions against the Sri Lanka tourists, taking five wickets for 74 runs in the Lions’ seven-wicket victory.
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Hull also made his debut in The Hundred for Manchester Originals exactly one month ago, reaching speeds of 90 mph on the speed gun. While his record in first-class cricket, with 15 wickets at an average of 58 from nine matches, might not stand out, his height and pace have caught the attention of the England selectors.
Nonetheless, England will face Sri Lanka in the second Test of the three-match series at Lord’s, starting on August 29.
Last Updated on August 25, 2024
