The England cricket team’s upcoming tour of Pakistan has faced a major setback with the exclusion of young fast bowler Josh Hull. The 20-year-old left-arm pacer, standing tall at 6 feet 7 inches, was expected to be a key player on this tour. His speed and accuracy made him a dangerous opponent, but a quad injury has forced him to miss the series, offering a sigh of relief for Pakistan.
Hull’s Impressive Rise Cut Short by Injury
Hull’s exclusion from the tour is particularly disappointing, as he has quickly made a name for himself in international cricket. He debuted in a Test match against Sri Lanka at The Oval, where he showcased his potential by taking three wickets for 53 runs in the first innings. However, during that same match, Hull sustained a quad injury that has since kept him off the field.
England’s head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes had hoped Hull would recover in time for the Pakistan tour, especially after he was replaced by veteran bowler Mark Wood during the Australian series. However, Hull’s injury will take longer to heal, ruling him out of this important series.
Pakistan’s Challenging Situation
For Pakistan, Hull’s absence may come as a relief, considering the team’s struggles in recent Test series. Under Shan Masood’s captaincy, Pakistan faced a humiliating 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. Pakistan’s previous encounter with England, in 2022, also ended in disaster with a 3-0 series loss under Babar Azam’s leadership. The pressure is mounting on the team, as they prepare to face an England squad that has proven to be formidable on foreign soil.
England’s pace attack, which could have been strengthened by Hull, will still pose a significant threat, but Pakistan’s team will undoubtedly see his exclusion as an opportunity to regroup and regain confidence.
When the Series Begins
The Test series between Pakistan and England will kick off on October 7. The second match will be held from October 15, with the final Test starting on October 24. The matches are scheduled to be played in Multan and Rawalpindi, though the exact venues for each game are yet to be confirmed.
This will be England’s second visit to Pakistan in the last two years, following their 2022 tour where they dominated the home side. The upcoming series is a chance for Pakistan to turn the tables, although their recent form suggests a tough battle ahead. With Hull out of the picture, it will be interesting to see if Pakistan can capitalize on the weakened England bowling lineup and put up a stronger fight this time around.
