England Names Test Squad for Zimbabwe: Sam Cook and Jordan Cox Earn Maiden Call-Ups
Uncapped Duo Make the Cut
Sam Cook's Consistency Rewarded
-
Essex seamer Sam Cook earns his first Test call-up after consistent domestic performances.
-
Cook has taken 302 first-class wickets at an average of 18.49, including 7 this season.
-
Impressed during the England Lions tour of Australia, choosing red-ball cricket over franchise leagues.
-
With Chris Woakes and Mark Wood injured, Cook has a strong chance to debut.
Jordan Cox Returns After Injury Setback
-
Wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox returns to the squad after a thumb injury ruled him out of debut in New Zealand.
-
Cox has started the 2025 season strongly, with a century against Surrey and a half-century against Nottinghamshire.
-
Despite good form, he is expected to be a reserve batter with Jamie Smith reclaiming the gloves and Ollie Pope likely to bat at No. 3.
Key Absences and Selection Decisions
No Spot for McKinney Despite Strong Form
-
Ben McKinney, former Under-19 captain, misses out despite scoring 153 in the County Championship and a Lions century.
-
Zak Crawley, despite recent struggles, retains management’s backing due to past performances against India and Australia.
Injury List Forces Changes
-
Chris Woakes (ankle) and Mark Wood (knee) are unavailable.
-
Brydon Carse and Olly Stone are also out.
-
Josh Tongue returns after two years, having taken 15 wickets for Nottinghamshire this season.
Ben Stokes Returns to Lead
-
Ben Stokes returns after a second hamstring tear and subsequent surgery.
-
Likely to start as a batter only, with gradual bowling build-up.
-
May play a Lions fixture vs India A before the India Test series.
Upcoming Preparations and Fixtures
Training Camp and Build-Up
-
Players will assemble in London on May 10, followed by a training camp in Loughborough.
-
Likely participation from recovering players like Carse and Archer during the camp.
County Appearances Before Test Duty
-
Joe Root and Harry Brook to feature for Yorkshire vs Warwickshire at Headingley this week.
England Squad for One-Off Test vs Zimbabwe (May 22 at Trent Bridge)
-
Ben Stokes (captain)
-
Gus Atkinson
-
Shoaib Bashir
-
Harry Brook
-
Sam Cook
-
Jordan Cox
-
Zak Crawley
-
Ben Duckett
-
Ollie Pope
-
Matthew Potts
-
Joe Root
-
Jamie Smith (wk)
-
Josh Tongue
