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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially unveiled a 13-member squad for the upcoming one-off Test match against Zimbabwe, scheduled for May 22 at Trent Bridge. This fixture marks a poignant moment in cricket history, with Zimbabwe returning to play a Test on English soil for the first time in over two decades. The match also sets the stage for England Men’s international summer campaign.
Sam Cook earns maiden call-up for England’s Test team
Essex pacer Sam Cook has received his long-overdue maiden Test call-up, a recognition of his persistent excellence in domestic cricket. Cook, known for his accuracy and control, has been one of the most consistent bowlers on the county circuit, boasting an impressive bowling average of 19.77.
The 26-year-old will compete for a place in the playing XI alongside fast bowlers Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, and Josh Tongue, with skipper Ben Stokes also ready to return to action following his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during England’s New Zealand tour in December.
Shoaib Bashir continues to hold the spot as England’s frontline spinner, once again preferred over seasoned campaigner Jack Leach. Bashir, currently on loan to Glamorgan due to Leach’s presence at Somerset, has had a quiet start to the season with just two wickets in three games but remains in England’s plans for red-ball cricket.
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Jordan Cox returns; Tom Bethell and Brydon Carse miss out
Jordan Cox returns to the England setup, having previously been named in squads for tours to Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand. His Test debut was derailed by an untimely finger injury, but selectors have kept faith in the young wicketkeeper-batter.
Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell misses out due to IPL commitments, and pacer Brydon Carse is sidelined with a toe injury. Vice-captain Ollie Pope is set to resume his duties at No. 3 in Bethell’s absence.
Despite a poor run in New Zealand—where he averaged just 8.66 across six innings—Zak Crawley has retained his place in the squad. The England think tank continues to back the opener, hoping he can turn a corner with the bat on home soil.
England squad for the only Test against Zimbabwe:
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, Josh Tongue.
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