Josh Hull rises to the challenge to give England first payout on investment | Barney Ronay

Welcome to Hull. The challenge for England's latest Test debutant as we approach the end of this series is: Are you prepared for this? Are you ready to take the next step? Can you, Josh Hull, handle the intense pressure of Test cricket? Get ready. We're diving into the deep end now.

During the match, both teams played poorly, resembling a casual game rather than a professional competition. It was like watching a YouTube video about strange sports in Australia, where people think the county championship is as odd as cheese rolling or hay bale tossing.

Mistakes on the field came and went, including some questionable bowling by Chris Woakes. England had a rough start, losing six wickets for just 35 runs. Their performance was compared to that of drunk noblemen at a picnic.

During the game, Hull was surprised by Asitha Fernando, who is much shorter than him. He unexpectedly hit the ball so high that it went way above hip height. This doesn't happen often, when the ball looks smaller and harder to hit.

While watching this, it felt like a wicketkeeper might suddenly stumble and invisible hands were putting laughing crying emojis in the sky. It was like Alastair Cook could randomly show up and start mimicking bowling actions. Josh Hull? He's entered the danger zone.

Cheerfully Hull performed admirably when he took the pitch to bowl at 2.28pm while Sri Lanka was at 70-2. He displayed bravery, determination, and impressive talent. It was truly a remarkable moment. Can any other fast bowler recall a time when they joined an England Test team with such limited experience and support?

Some may describe Hull's selection as a clear rejection of county cricket, a message of thanks but no thanks. Choosing him implies that success in county cricket holds no value. Instead, they opt for a 20-year-old player with mediocre stats simply based on appearance. How would you feel if you were a 27-year-old with impressive county statistics, consistently winning games, pushing through challenges, and aspiring for a bigger platform?

In contrast, professional sports can be very demanding, with certain athletes standing out above others. Hull is a curated selection, chosen based on appearance, size, and physical attributes.

Players who are tall and athletic have the potential to become successful bowlers. Hull, standing at 6ft 7in, possesses the physical attributes of a rugby player. Despite making a mistake on the field by dropping an easy catch, there is confidence in his abilities. His size and height give him an advantage in the game. England cricket values tall players, believing that they can make a difference in matches against tough opponents like Australia. Tall players are seen as assets that can help England earn respect on the cricket field.

And of course, when the England team refers to Hull as "an investment" and a two-year plan, they are essentially saying that they are in need of a tall bowler for the Ashes. In addition to this, they are also looking for a left-handed bowler, as statistics and intuition suggest that left-armers perform well in the sunlit pitches and spacious outfields of Australia.

In the last three Ashes series in Australia, left-arm seam bowlers have taken a total of 78 wickets at an average of 18. The two Mitches, Mitch Johnson and Josh Hull, have been particularly influential in this statistic. While this may seem like an oversimplification, sometimes simplicity is effective in sports. Hull, despite his limited experience in first-class cricket, showcased his talent in bowling after lunch. His unique long run-up and determined approach to the game are reminiscent of an iron man slowly emerging from the sea. Unlike the swift and graceful style of Mitch Starc, Hull's method of bowling is more deliberate and purposeful, resembling a siege tower being carefully maneuvered into position.

His initial delivery was thrown at an impressive 82mph and hit hard to the cover. The next one swung back in from the hand. The fourth was sent through mid-off for four runs. Despite this, he appeared to have a natural talent. His front knee was solidly braced, giving him a distinctive slingy style. The bowling boots were a simple and understated grey. His technique was straightforward, with his feet aligned and the ball delivered from a side-on position, peering behind his arm. He seemed confident and stylish, earning nicknames like Rod, Titch, Big Bird, Hullsy, and Reinforced Steel. Overall, he looked impressive on the field.

During Hull's spell, the fastest ball was clocked at 85mph. The ball moved in towards the right-handed batsman, but there was no movement away. After two and a half overs, a significant moment occurred. A ball was pitched up at 82mph, with the seam scrambled, possibly causing an unintended cutter. Pathum Nissanka was lured into a drive and ended up toeing the ball towards extra cover, where Woakes made a spectacular diving catch.

The footballers from England descended on Hull in a frenzied rush, gathering together like a group of penguins circling a lighthouse.

There will definitely be more difficult days in the future. However, there may not be any that feel as full of possibilities and as enjoyable as today.