England fast bowler Josh Hull has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan following a quad injury. The ECB confirmed on Thursday that this 20-year-old left-armer damaged his thigh in the Sri Lanka Test match earlier this month.
Josh Hull Faces Injury Setback
Although Hull played only 10 first-class matches before the test and received the call-up, he did not go unnoticed as he picked three wickets in England’s defeat during the third Test at The Oval. He was already ruled out of the ODI series that Australia is currently visiting England for, and now due to the same injury, he will be missing the Pakistan tour too.
Considering that he will not make it to the Pakistan tour, the selectors have chosen not to look for a replacement. The team will also move with five remaining fast bowlers, although the concern about the pace options is massive. Already on the injury list are Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, and Dillon Pennington, who have been ruled out for the tour. Apart from this, captain Ben Stokes is also struggling with a hamstring concern and is doubtful to feature during the first Test. However, ECB has assured that he is “on track” for the series.
Who’ll Be The Replacement Of Josh?
And finally, Olly Stone will take a flight back to the UK during the inter-phase period between the first and the second Tests because of his wedding. It might hand over the disadvantageous situation several times during the series as they may miss frontline pacers during some stages.
This injury comes at a compounded challenge for England ahead of the three-match Test series in Pakistan, scheduled to start with the first match on October 7 at Multan. However, according to reports, the ECB has decided not to replace Hull.