England vs Zimbabwe: Sam Cook Set for Test Debut at Trent Bridge
Essex seamer Sam Cook will make his much-anticipated Test debut for England in the upcoming four-day match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. The 27-year-old earns his spot after consistently impressive performances in domestic cricket, having taken 321 first-class wickets at an exceptional average of 19.85 across 89 matches, including 10 wickets in the County Championship this season.
Cook has been preferred over Matthew Potts in the playing XI and will join a pace attack that includes Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and captain Ben Stokes, who returns to action following a hamstring injury suffered last December in New Zealand.
Also missing out from England’s 13-man squad is James Rew, who had been added as batting cover following Jordan Cox’s abdominal injury.
Return of Josh Tongue
Josh Tongue is also set to feature for England for the first time in nearly two years, having battled through hamstring and pectoral injuries since his last appearances against Ireland and Australia in 2023.
Injuries Open the Door for New Faces
England will be without several experienced bowlers for this fixture, including Chris Woakes (ankle), Mark Wood (knee), Brydon Carse (toe), and Olly Stone (knee), creating opportunities for emerging talent like Cook.
The Nottinghamshire speedster Gus Atkinson has also been in strong form, taking 15 wickets in just three County Championship games this season, including two five-wicket hauls.
Batting Line-Up Adjustments
Zak Crawley retains his place at the top of the order despite a modest average of 8.66 in the series win over New Zealand last December. He will open alongside Ben Duckett.
Jamie Smith returns to the side as wicketkeeper-batter after missing the New Zealand series due to paternity leave. His inclusion pushes Ollie Pope back up to number three in the order. Promising youngster Jacob Bethell, who impressed with three fifties during his debut series in New Zealand, is currently unavailable as he plays in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Eyes on The Ashes
For Sam Cook, this debut represents more than just one match—it’s a chance to stake a claim for England’s Ashes tour of Australia later this year. His skill with the Kookaburra ball makes him a potential asset in Australian conditions. He underlined his capabilities by picking up 13 wickets for England Lions on their tour of Australia and claiming 23 wickets in four rounds of the 2024 County Championship with the Kookaburra.
Cook on His Journey
Speaking ahead of his debut, Cook reflected on the road to this moment:
“It’s every cricketer’s dream to wear the Test shirt for England. I never believed the opportunity had passed. Setbacks are part of professional sport, but having that goal kept me focused.
I know I’m not a 90mph bowler, but I’ve worked to bowl as quickly and effectively as I can. I’ve put in the work to be fitter and stronger, and I think that’s made me a better bowler. As I’ve matured, I’ve learned to trust my game and become more comfortable in my own skin.”
Cook’s disciplined line, subtle movement, and relentless accuracy have long made him a standout performer in county cricket. Now, he finally gets the opportunity to showcase those skills on the international stage.
Match Coverage
The one-off Test match between England and Zimbabwe begins May 22 and runs through May 25, live from Trent Bridge and broadcast on Sky Sports Cricket.
