England are staying true to their left-field selection: Hussain on Hull

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has backed Josh Hull’s selection for the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka despite the 20-year-old having featured in only 10 first-class games. A 6ft 7' monster who plays for Leicestershire, Hull has been called up for the last two Tests after Mark Wood injured himself during the first Test.

"I think it's an incredible story. He's made all three camps, 50 over, 20 over and a Lord's Test match. It is very much this present regime, there is a disconnect from County Cricket stats and what they want,” said Hussain on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast. 

“The only stat they seem interested in is pace and potential pace in Hull's case, he could get quicker. I am rushing to see wickets from Hull and he looks quick enough, he swings it, all I've seen is stumps flying everywhere in white-ball cricket."

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There is no doubt that Hull possesses all the ingredients to be successful at the highest level, but it’s a bit difficult not to raise eyebrows over his selection. The 20-year-old has taken 16 wickets in 14 innings of 10 first-class games at an average of 62.75 and an economy of 4.91.

He has bowled 68 overs (4 innings) for Leicestershire in Division 2 this season and has taken just 2 wickets at an average of 182.50 and economy of 5.36, taking a wicket every 204 balls. He was relatively better in the 2023 season but still bad — 9 wickets in 8 innings at an average of 62.77 and an economy of 4.87.

"Rob Key said the only stats he's interested in is pace. They are staying true to their left-field selection. What they have done well is everyone they have selected have come in and done well, I'm hoping Josh Hull continues that,” said Hussain of Hull, who has also been picked for the T20I and ODI series against Australia. 

"The only thing I think of sometimes is the lads sitting in County Cricket and thinking 'what about me?'. Sam Cook has nearly got 300 first-class wickets at 19 and will be sitting there (wondering). 

"I think there is a danger of it, but it really depends on the environment he's going into. Anybody we speak to that has had success going into that environment talks about that calmness and backing they all get. You don't feel like 'they're just having a look at me', you are made to believe you are a huge part of their future.”

England won the first Test by five wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. They have already announced the XI for the second Test, to be played at Lord’s from August 29 (Thursday), and Olly Stone has been picked ahead of Hull.

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