England pick 20-year-old seamer Josh Hull to make debut against Sri Lanka

The 20-year-old Leicestershire seamer Josh Hull will make his debut on Friday after being pickedfor England’s final Test of the summer against Sri Lanka at the Oval.

Hull’s selection, replacing Matt Potts in the only change to the side that took a 2-0 lead in the series at Lord’s last week, caps a remarkable rise for the 6ft 7in left-armer.

He has played only nine County Championship games in his career and in three matches this year took two wickets at an average of 182.50.

Hull shot into contention after taking five wickets for England Lions against Sri Lanka at Worcester last month, the most successful game of his first-class career, and was an unused member of the quad for the first two Tests of this series.

“He’s got a massive ceiling and he’s pretty massive himself as well, which is pretty handy as a bowler,” said Ollie Pope, England’s captain.

“When you’re 6ft 7in, pushing up to the 85-90mph mark and with a bit of swing with the left-arm angle, there’s a lot to like about it. It’s a real exciting week for him. We’re 2-0 up, it’s a great week for him to come in, learn a little bit and show off what he can do.”

England team v Sri Lanka (Third Test, the Oval): Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Olly Stone, Josh Hull, Shoaib Bashir.

More to follow …