Josh Hull to make England debut in third Test against Sri Lanka

At 20 years and 17 days, Hull will become the third youngest seamer to play a men’s Test for England, after Ben Hollioake and Sam Curran, who were both 19.

Ollie Pope, who is captaining England in this series in the absence of the injured Ben Stokes, believes Hull will add a point of difference in the hosts’ bowling attack.

“I don’t normally face bowlers in the nets, but I was pretty keen because I haven’t faced him yet, to get in there and see what he’s got,” said Pope.

“His ceiling’s so high – he’s obviously 6ft 7in and can swing the ball at a decent pace. He’s raw but he’s got some good skills.

“I’m sure he will be able to go and show what he can do this week.”

Pope goes into the game with a top score of just 17 in the series, and having faced criticism from former England captain Michael Vaughan about his role in the team.

However, the Surrey batter will hope to find form at his home ground this week, where he averages 80.6 in first-class cricket.

“I feel good in the nets,” said Pope, 26. “Last week I got a top edge to a pull shot and got caught at deep point. That is the way cricket can go sometimes.

“I’ll learn from it, but now I’m feeling my normal self. So yeah, hopefully there’s some runs this week.”