LONDON: Leicestershire pacer Josh Hull will make his test debut for England as he was named in the home side’s Playing XI for the third Test of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka.

Hull, who was added to England’s squad ahead of the second test against Sri Lanka, will make his international debut on Friday. Josh Hull will replace Matthew Motts in the hosts’ lineup, who lead the three-match series 2-0. The 6ft 7in left-arm pacer managed to take only 11 wickets in his nine appearances at the County Championship but his physical attributes drew the attention of England’s management, who presumably believed that his towering height would provide him with an extra bounce. Josh Hull made his debut for the England Lions last month and returned match figures of 5 for 74 in the Tour Match against Sri Lanka. Furthermore, Hull has also been named in England’s white-ball squad for the home series against Australia but his availability for the T20I series opener at The Oval on September 11 is in jeopardy, considering a tight 24-hour difference between the commencement of the third Test and the first T20I.

“When you’re 6ft 7in and you can get it down 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,” Pope said. “It’s a really exciting week for him,” said Pope.