Sam Cook Earns Debut in England vs Zimbabwe Test

Essex seamer Sam Cook has been selected for his first England Test appearance against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, having taken 318 wickets at an average under 20 in County Championship cricket. He is one of two uncapped players in the 13-man squad, alongside Essex teammate Jordan Cox. The pace attack is set to be inexperienced, with senior bowlers Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Olly Stone all sidelined, and Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts included. Nottinghamshire's Josh Tongue returns from injury, while Zak Crawley keeps his place despite recent struggles and Ollie Pope is expected to return at No 3. Captain Ben Stokes is fit after hamstring surgery, but it remains unclear if he will bowl. The Test is Zimbabwe's first in England since 2003 and will help England prepare for upcoming series against India and Australia.