Josh Hull to make debut as England announce playing XI for 3rd test against Sri Lanka

Fast bowler Josh Hull has played in only 10 first-class games so far.

20-year-old left-arm seamer Josh Hull is set to make his test debut for England in the third test against Sri Lanka, which will get underway on Friday at The Oval.

The hosts lead the three-match test series by 2-0, with victories at Old Trafford and Lord’s. Although England have sealed the series, they would be aiming for a whitewash over the Asian team as there are World Test Championship points up for grabs.

England announced their XI on Wednesday and confirmed one change, with Hull set for his debut test.

Josh Hull replaces Matthew Potts for the 3rd test vs Sri Lanka

England have made one change to their XI that won the Lord’s test by 190 runs: Leicestershire’s Josh Hull replaces Matthew Potts. Potts played in the first two tests and picked up five wickets.

Hull was drafted into the squad after Mark Wood was ruled out due to an injury following the first test. Hull’s domestic numbers are not attractive: 16 wickets in 10 first-class games at a poor average of 62.

However, it’s his height – 6ft 7in – that drew the England selectors and management to the lanky pacer. He did have one impressive outing recently when he took match figures of 5 for 74 on England Lions debut last month against Sri Lanka.

Hull has also been named in England’s squads to face Australia in ODIs and T20Is later this month.

Ollie Pope, England’s stand-in captain, said about Hull, “When you’re 6ft 7in and you can get it down pushing up to the 85-90mph mark, and with a bit of swing with the left-arm angle, there’s a lot to like about it. It’s a really exciting week for him.”

England XI for 3rd test vs Sri Lanka:

Dan Lawrence⁠Ben DuckettOllie Pope (captain)Joe Root⁠Harry Brook (vice-captain)⁠Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)⁠Chris Woakes⁠Gus AtkinsonOlly Stone⁠Josh HullShoaib Bashir

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