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Sam Cook Earns Maiden Test Call-Up as England Gears Up for Zimbabwe Clash
England Announce Squad for Historic One-Off Test Against Zimbabwe
In a significant move ahead of their first Test against Zimbabwe on home soil in over two decades, England have named a 13-man squad that features two uncapped players—Sam Cook and Jordan Cox. The match, scheduled to take place at Trent Bridge, Nottingham from May 21 to 25, will mark a historic moment as the two nations face off in a Test match in England for the first time since 2003.
Cook, who has been on the selectors’ radar for some time due to his consistent domestic performances, is finally set for his much-anticipated international debut. Jordan Cox, another promising talent, also finds his name in the squad after missing his previous opportunity due to injury. Additionally, fast bowler Josh Tongue has made a return to the England Test setup after an impressive showing in the ongoing County Championship.
Sam Cook: County Cricket’s Consistent Performer
From Chelmsford to Trent Bridge: Cook’s Steady Rise
27-year-old Sam Cook has been among the standout performers in County Cricket over recent seasons. Representing Essex, Cook has amassed 318 first-class wickets at an average of just 19.77, showcasing his ability to generate movement and maintain control across conditions. His recent performance for England Lions in Australia, where he picked up 13 wickets in three games against Australia A, further underlined his readiness for the international stage.
Cook’s maiden call-up is being viewed as a reward for persistence and excellence, qualities that England’s red-ball setup has increasingly come to value as it prepares for a transitional phase with several young faces.
Jordan Cox Recovers to Reclaim Opportunity
Jordan Cox, who was initially selected to play against New Zealand in November 2024, had to withdraw due to a fractured thumb sustained during a practice session. A technically sound wicketkeeper-batter, Cox offers England a versatile option with the gloves and the bat.
His inclusion is particularly noteworthy as England continues to experiment with depth and flexibility in its batting order. The management remains optimistic about his long-term role within the side.
Josh Tongue Returns After Impressive County Stint
Pacer Josh Tongue, who last played for England in the 2023 Ashes Test at Lord’s, is back in the mix after a strong start to the domestic season. He has taken 14 wickets so far in the 2025 County Championship, pushing his case for selection amid stiff competition.
With England managing workloads ahead of a busy cricketing calendar, Tongue’s return adds experience and depth to a relatively young pace attack.
Read more: England Lions Tour of Australia 2025
Familiar Faces Retained as England Maintain Core Group
The rest of the squad remains largely unchanged from their previous Test series against New Zealand. Zak Crawley, despite failing to pass fifty in his last five Tests, retains his spot—indicating continued backing from the England management. Veterans Joe Root and Ben Stokes, along with emerging stars like Harry Brook and Ollie Pope, form a solid core around which the team continues to build.
Full England Squad: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Jordan Cox (wk), Sam Cook, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue
A Historic Test Match Awaits
This upcoming fixture is not just an ordinary bilateral Test—it symbolizes the rekindling of cricketing ties between England and Zimbabwe, nations that haven’t met in a Test in England since 2003. Held at the iconic Trent Bridge, the game is expected to attract attention for both the cricket and its broader historical context.
For official confirmation and more details, visit ECB’s official announcement
