Monday, December 23, 2024

Josh Hull replaces Mark Wood in England Test squad

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“It was about half nine last night when I got the call from Brendon McCullum. It’s a very special moment,” Hull told BBC Radio Leicester.

“It’s come around pretty quickly. I didn’t think it would happen this fast, but I am really excited to be joining them.

“I was happy with how I performed [for England Lions] but I never thought it would lead to a call this early. They’ve got Olly Stone there as the first replacement, so it will be a great opportunity to join up and be part of that environment.”

Wood has been in electrifying form this summer, bowling at extreme pace in three Tests against West Indies and the series opener against Sri Lanka.

Since returning to the Test side during last summer’s Ashes, Wood has established himself in England’s first-choice XI.

Alongside Joe Root and Harry Brook, he was one of only three players handed a three-year central contract last year and is key to England’s plans for the tour of Australia in 2025-26.

England’s fast-bowling department has gone through significant upheaval in recent times.

Stuart Broad and James Anderson have both retired, while Ollie Robinson has been dropped.

Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton and Dillon Pennington are all injured, and Brydon Carse has served a ban for historical offences related to gambling.

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