Pakistan v England: Josh Hull ruled out of tour

Pace bowler Josh Hull has been ruled out of England’s tour of Pakistan with a quad injury.

The 20-year-old left-armer made his Test debut against Sri Lanka earlier this month, having played only 10 first-class matches.

He picked up three wickets as England were beaten in the third Test at The Oval, then was subsequently ruled out of the limited-overs series against Australia.

England have opted not to call up a replacement.

Hull was one of six specialist fast bowlers chosen in England’s 17-man squad, but now joins Mark Wood, Josh Tongue and Dillon Pennington on the sidelines. Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer are currently only playing white-ball cricket.

England’s pace situation is further complicated by doubts over captain Ben Stokes’ fitness to bowl in the early part of the tour.

Stokes, 33, has been out of action since early August because of a hamstring injury.

Though England released a statement on Wednesday saying the all-rounder is “on track” to participate in the series, Stokes himself cast doubt on his readiness to bowl in the first Test when he spoke to Sky Sports on Tuesday.

Another consideration for England’s fast-bowling department is the availability of Olly Stone, who is set to return from Pakistan between the first and second Tests in order to get married.

England travel to Pakistan on Tuesday, with the first Test in Multan beginning on 7 October.