Josh Hull replaces injured Mark Wood for SL Test series
In another blow for the England men's cricket team, fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka owing to a muscle strain. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the same on August 25. Notably, Wood suffered the injury was during the series opener's third day in Manchester. Leicestershire seamer Josh Hull has replaced Wood the remainder of the series.
Wood's injury details and Hull's introduction
Wood left the field after bowling two deliveries in his 11th over on Day 3. It was later confirmed that Wood sustained a right thigh muscle strain, which has now sideline him for the remainder of the series against Sri Lanka. In light of this development, Leicestershire pacer Josh Hull has been called up as Wood's replacement. Hull is yet to make his debut for England.
Hull's cricket career and upcoming matches
Hull, a tall left-arm seamer, has been a standout performer for Leicestershire. He played a crucial role in the 2023 One-Day Cup. Hull made his debut for England Lions against Sri Lanka, taking five wickets to guide them to victory. He is set to feature for England in the remaining two Tests against Sri Lanka at Lord's and The Oval.
England are without Ben Stokes
England are already without their regular skipper Ben Stokes, who has been ruled out of the season due to a hamstring injury. Ollie Pope led England to a one-sided win in the 1st Test against the Lankans.
England beat SL in 1st Test
England took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after beating Sri Lanka by five wickets at the Old Trafford, Manchester. Pope led from the front in regular skipper Stokes's absence. This was the first instance (since 2013) of England winning their first four Tests of home the season. England successfully chased down 205, with Joe Root smashing a match-winning 62*(128). Jamie Smith set up England's win with an incredible first-innings ton.
