Injured Josh Hull to miss England's Test series against Pakistan
What's the story
England's Josh Hull has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan because of a quad injury. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the same in a statement. The 20-year-old left-arm pacer picked up the injury during his Test debut against Sri Lanka earlier this month. This unfortunate turn of events comes right after he shone with three wickets in England's loss in the third Test at The Oval.
Injury impact
Hull's injury forces him out of ongoing ODIs
Hull's injury has also kept him out of the ongoing ODI series against Australia. His absence will be felt in England's tour of Pakistan as well. Despite this setback, England have decided not to call up a replacement for Hull. The team will proceed with five remaining fast bowlers, even though they face several concerns regarding their pace options due to injuries and other commitments.
Pace concerns
England's pace options dwindle due to injuries
England's upcoming tour of Pakistan already has a growing injury list featuring Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, and Dillon Pennington. To add to the worries, there are also fitness concerns looming over the team's captain, Ben Stokes, who's been dealing with a hamstring injury since early August. Even though the ECB has reassured that Stokes is "on track" for the series, he voiced his doubts about being able to bowl in the first Test during an interview with Sky Sports .
Squad challenges
England's pace options further limited by personal commitments
Olly Stone is all set to make a comeback to the UK between the first and second Tests due to his wedding. This means England could be short of frontline pacers at some pretty crucial moments in the series. To add to the trouble, Hull's injury has come at a bad time as they prepare for the three-match Test series in Pakistan, with the first game kicking off on October 7 in Multan.