HUL RAISER

Pope's backing rookie paceman Josh to make an instant impact

- Gary Fitzgerald

OLLIE POPE expects young giant Josh Hull to quickly stamp his mark on the team as England target the perfect Test summer.

The stand-in captain admits it is another "bold" decision by head coach Brendon McCullum and regular skipper Ben Stokes to throw another rookie into the firing line.

But Pope put his faith behind the surprise call-up for a 20-year-old paceman who has yet to made an impact in county cricket.

Leicestershire's 6ft 7in left-arm fast bowler Hull now has a dream chance in the Third Test to push his name forward for winter tour selection.

A strong display in the bid to seal a 6-0 clean sweep in the summer Tests could put him firmly in the picture for Pakistan and New Zealand.

He was called into the squad for Lord's in place of the injured Mark Wood but he is ready to make his debut at The Oval, with Matthew Potts axed from the Second Test side.