England have announced their XI for the third Test match of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka at home.
The England team has made one change to their team that cruised to a resounding 190-run victory in the second Test match at the iconic Lord’s in London last week.
The Ollie Pope-led side have a 2-0 lead in the series and will be looking to complete their whitewash over Sri Lanka.
They have a chance to finish the red ball season undefeated at home. The third test match will be played at The Oval in London, starting on Friday, September 6.
Josh Hull will make his Test debut for England in the 3rd match
20-year-old left-arm fast bowler Josh Hull will make his Test debut in the upcoming match.
Hull will replace Matthew Potts, who took five wickets in the first two Tests of the ongoing series. It should be noted that Hull was added to the England Test team in place of the injured Mark Wood.
Josh Hull has taken 16 wickets in 10 first-class matches at an average of 62.75. Before this series, the 6ft 7in bowler played against Sri Lanka.
Recorded 5-74 in two innings while playing for the England Lions last month. He made his Test debut despite limited experience.
Skipper Ollie Pope came under pressure as he failed to perform with the bat. Pope will be hoping to score runs ahead of the upcoming red-ball series against Pakistan.
Middle-order batsmen Joe Root, Harry Brook and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith aim to continue their form in the final game.
The pace trio of Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson and Olly Stone performed well in the last Test. Hull will add variety to his left-arm bowling attack.
Shoaib Bashir is the only forward in the 11th position. The hosts favored a four-pace strategy throughout the series.
England’s 11th: Dan Lawrence, Ben Dukett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook (vc), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Stone, Josh Hull, Shoaib Bashir.
The Current Regime Is Too Much – Nasser Hussain
Former England captain Nasser Hussain said that Josh Hull was attracted to the team because of his pace. Hussain added that selectors value pace over county cricket statistics. He hoped Hull would continue their successful selection trend.
“It’s very much the way it is now, County Cricket has a relationship with stats and what they want. The only stat they care about is the pace and potential pace of Hull’s work. It could be faster,” he said.
“I rush to see wickets from Hull and he looks quick enough, swinging it, all I see is stumps flying all over the place in white-ball cricket. What they do well, whoever they pick, comes in and does well. I hope Josh Hull continues that “.
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