Islamabad – May 3, 2025: England have named a youthful, inexperienced squad for the Zimbabwe Test, with Essex’s Sam Cook set for his debut.
The 27-year-old has consistently been one of the most reliable bowlers in county cricket, but national selection had eluded him until now.
Injuries have ruled out several frontline fast bowlers, including Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Olly Stone, and Brydon Carse.
Jofra Archer’s IPL return during rehab leaves England with a fresh pace attack for a key red-ball season.
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Cook joins a 13-man squad alongside recalled Josh Tongue, with Atkinson and Potts completing the pace options.
If picked together, Cook, Tongue, and Atkinson would form England’s least experienced home pace attack since Zimbabwe’s 2003 tour, with only 13 caps combined.
Captain Ben Stokes returns to lead the side after recovering from hamstring surgery, although his bowling workload may be restricted.
Jordan Cox, another uncapped Essex player, is back in the squad after injury denied him a debut earlier this year.
With Jacob Bethell currently at the IPL, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope are expected to take key top-order roles.
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Spinner Shoaib Bashir remains the only slow-bowling option in the squad.
Cook’s selection comes after years of consistent performances, having taken over 300 first-class wickets at an average under 20.
Though England have often preferred high-pace bowlers in recent times, Cook’s accuracy and movement have finally earned him a place.
England are strong favourites against Zimbabwe, who haven’t played a Test in the UK since 2003.
The match at Trent Bridge begins on 22 May and will be followed by a major five-Test series against India starting in June.
