Josh Hull’s unexpected Test debut last year left English cricket buzzing, and now, months later, he still can’t quite believe it.
With a single Test cap sitting in his bedroom near Oundle, it’s a tangible reminder of an experience that turned his world upside down.
For a 20-year-old who had barely broken into first-class cricket, being thrust into a Test match against Sri Lanka at the Oval was as surreal as it gets.
But Hull isn’t the type to settle for just one cap. He’s got the taste of international cricket now, and it’s clear that this first appearance is just the beginning of what he hopes will be a long career.
The Unlikely Call-Up and the Buzz Around It
Before Hull’s shock call-up to the Test squad in September, the biggest surprise had been the selection of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who had only 10 first-class wickets to his name.
Hull’s selection, however, was even more surprising.
His County Championship stats were far from stellar: two wickets at an average of 182.
But England had seen something in him, and it wasn’t just his numbers.
Hull had a strong performance for the England Lions, taking five wickets against Sri Lanka, including some key scalps like Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal.
Still, when the announcement came, cricket fans were scratching their heads, questioning whether England was seriously considering him or trolling critics who said they were ignoring domestic cricket.
But for head coach Brendon McCullum, it was all about potential.
The 6ft 7in left-arm bowler had pace and the ability to swing the ball, and that was enough for the selectors to take the risk.
A Rapid Journey from Club Cricket to Test Match
From playing for Leicestershire to being on a plane to London within 24 hours, Hull’s life took a sharp turn. In just a week, he found himself making his Test debut.
The sudden rise was overwhelming. “It’s crazy how quickly it happened,” Hull says. “Looking back, it still feels surreal.”
But he held his own in the Test, claiming three wickets, including one with his trademark inswinger.
However, despite his personal success, England lost the match, which led to criticism of their performance.
Hull faced pressure from the media, but he didn’t let it affect him.
“The dressing room gave me the confidence I needed, and they told me to have fun,” he recalls.
“I would definitely have taken how I performed if you’d told me beforehand.”
Moving Forward: Focus on Fitness and Growth
Since that debut, Hull has spent the winter working on his fitness with the England Lions.
A thigh injury prevented him from playing in the white-ball series against Australia and the Test tour to Pakistan, raising doubts about his physical readiness for international cricket.
But Hull has remained focused on improving his strength and conditioning.
“I’ve made good progress with the physios,” Hull says, adding that he feels stronger and more ready to face the challenges of Test cricket.
And for someone with his frame, there’s more to come. He’s still growing, not upwards but in terms of pace.
Hull aims to consistently bowl at 90mph, a target he’s determined to reach as his career progresses.
Inspired by Australian Role Models
In terms of role models, Hull finds himself looking to Australia, as England hasn’t had many left-arm quick bowlers to draw inspiration from.
“Mitchell Starc is the one I look at a lot,” Hull admits.
“He has a nice action, bowls high 80s to 90mph, and swings it.”
He also admires Trent Boult and Mitchell Johnson but sees Starc as the complete package.
With the Ashes looming later this year, Hull’s dream is to be part of that squad.
He’s focused on performing well for Leicestershire this summer, and if all goes according to plan, a spot in the Ashes series could be on the horizon.
Looking Ahead to the Future
After a whirlwind start to his international career, Hull is driven by the idea of playing more Test cricket.
His performance on debut was just a glimpse of his potential, and he’s determined to prove himself.
His journey, from local club cricket to the grand stage of Test cricket, is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the support of those around him.
Now, as he continues to develop his game, he’s eyeing the future and everything that comes with it.