The England men’s cricket team is gearing up for a three-match Test series against Pakistan, set to commence on October 7 in Multan. However, they have suffered a significant setback as young pacer Josh Hull has been ruled out of the tour due to a quad injury. This news comes just days before the team is scheduled to depart for Pakistan.
Josh Hull’s Injury Update
Josh Hull, a promising 20-year-old left-arm pacer from Leicestershire, made his Test debut against Sri Lanka on September 6, 2024, where he impressed by taking three wickets for 53 runs in his first innings. Unfortunately, Hull picked up a niggle during that match, which forced him out of the subsequent white-ball series against Australia. Despite hopes for recovery, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on September 26 that Hull would not be joining the squad for the upcoming Tests.
The ECB tweeted, “Get well soon, Josh. Josh Hull has been ruled out of our Test tour of Pakistan due to a quad injury. #PAKvENG | #EnglandCricket.” As of now, no replacement has been announced for Hull, and the team will travel with a 16-man squad on October 1.
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England’s Squad for the Tour
The squad announced by the ECB includes several notable players. Among them are uncapped players Brydon Carse and Jordan Cox, who are set to make their overseas debut. Veteran spinner Jack Leach returns after recovering from an injury sustained during the India-England series earlier this year. Additionally, opener Zak Crawley is back in the mix after missing the Sri Lanka series due to a finger fracture.
This tour marks England’s second visit to Pakistan in less than two years; they previously won a historic series 3-0 in December 2022. ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould expressed excitement about returning to Pakistan, stating, “Our last men’s Test tour of Pakistan produced some memorable matches and I’m sure fans can look forward to more exciting cricket across this forthcoming series.”
Pakistan’s Preparations
On the other side, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its squad for the first Test. Notably included is all-rounder Aamer Jamal, who showcased his skills during a recent series against Australia but missed the two-match Test series against Bangladesh due to injury. The squad also retains pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, both of whom were dropped from the playing XI in their last Test match against Bangladesh.
The three-match Test series between England and Pakistan is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 and will unfold as follows:
- First Test: Multan – October 7-11
- Second Test: Karachi – October 15-19
- Third Test: Rawalpindi – October 24-28
As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated series, England will need to adapt quickly in light of Hull’s absence. With young talents like Brydon Carse stepping into key roles and seasoned players returning from injury, fans can expect an exciting contest filled with competitive cricket.
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