Mark Wood ruled out of Sri Lanka series, Josh Hull named replacement

Josh Hull, the Leicestershire pacer, earned his maiden England call up after Mark Wood was ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against Sri Lanka due to a muscle strain he sustained in the first Test in Manchester.

Wood picked up the injury on the third day at Old Trafford and wasn't able to bowl on the final day. Scans later confirmed a right thigh muscle strain, which the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed in a media release on Sunday (August 25).

Hull, at 6ft 7 in, has been a key performer for Leicestershire and had played an important role in their One-Day Cup win in 2023. He recently made his debut for England Lions against Sri Lanka, picking up 5 for 74 to lead them to a seven-wicket victory.

England won the opening Test by five wickets. The second Test will be played at Lord's from August 29.