New England star was playing against amateurs just over a year ago – and is still in old club’s WhatsApp group
JOSH HULL was sending stumps flying against Northamptonshire Premier League champions Finedon Dolben just 16 months ago.
But when Dolben face Hull’s local club Oundle Town tomorrow, the giant paceman will be making his England debut against Sri Lanka at The Oval.
The 6ft 7in, 20-year-old receives his Test cap in London on Friday — just 17 months after being handed a first-class debut by Leicestershire.
It has been a rapid rise for the bowler, who took 5-34 for Oundle in May last year in a match-winning display against a side that went on to win the title.
Even if Dolben’s skipper was not that impressed!
Oundle captain Mark Hodgson said: “We were lucky Josh was able to come back and play for us a couple of times last season after he made his first-class debut.
“You could see he had gone to another level from being in a county set-up.
“The second game he played for us was against Finedon Dolben. He took five wickets, all cleaned bowled — there were stumps cartwheeling everywhere.
“It was so spectacular to watch, his pace had increased significantly, and our keeper was standing on the edge of the 30-yard circle.
“The opposition said they were just five straight balls. We play them this Saturday so we’ll look forward to reminding them of that while Josh is playing for England.”
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Hull has impressed selectors who have picked him to face Sri Lanka despite his record of taking only 16 wickets in ten first-class matches at an average of 62.75.
Hodgson coached Hull at an early age and revealed it was not just his height that made him stand out.
He said: “He made his first-team debut I think in 2019 and you could see he was going to be a very good cricketer.
“He was being coached by former England bowler Dean Headley at Stamford School, he was with Northamptonshire then went to Leicestershire.
“Josh is still in our WhatsApp group — there will be plenty of ticket requests.”
Top 20 UK sporting moments of the 21st century, voted by fans
1. Sir Andy Murray winning Wimbledon in 2013
2. Jonny Wilkinson’s last-minute drop goal for England against Australia to win the 2003 World Cup
3. The Lionesses winning the Women’s Euros in 2022
4. Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2015/16
5. Sir Mo Farah’s double gold at the 2012 Olympics – 5,000m and 10,000m
6. Sir Steve Redgrave winning his fifth consecutive Olympic rowing golds in 2000
7. ‘The Miracle of Istanbul’ – Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down to win the Champions League against AC Milan in 2005
8. England winning the Ashes in 2005
9. England’s Cricket ODI World Cup win in 2019
10. David Beckham’s last-minute free-kick against Greece in 2001 to secure England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup
11. Manchester City FC’s men’s team completing a historic treble in 2023 (winning the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champion’s League)
12. Sir Chris Hoy’s triple gold at the 2008 Olympics in track cycling
13. Sir Lewis Hamilton winning his seventh Formula 1 championship in 2021
14. Emma Raducanu winning US Open title in 2021
15. Dame Kelly Holmes’ double gold at the 2004 Olympics for the 800m and 1500m races
16. Ben Stokes’ Ashes-saving 135 not out at Headingly in 2019
17. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon gold at the 2012 Olympics
18. Sir Bradley Wiggins’ Tour de France victory in 2012
19. Ronnie O’Sullivan winning with seventh snooker World Championship in 2022
20. Paula Radcliffe’s marathon world record in 2003
Headley has no doubt Hull, who is also in England’s white-ball squads, can make his mark on the international stage.
The ex-seamer said: “He has all the attributes needed to succeed at the highest level, he will thrive on the challenge.”