England name XI to face Zimbabwe, Sam Cook to make Test debut

Essex fast bowler Sam Cook is set to become the 719th man to represent England in Test cricket. He has been named in England's playing XI, which will take on Zimbabwe in a one-off four-day Test match, starting on Thursday, May 22, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer in County cricket in recent years. England's head coach, Brendon McCullum, confirmed that Cook will feature in the XI against the Craig Ervine-led side. Cook has played 89 first-class games in which he has picked up 321 wickets at an average of 19.85 and a strike rate of 45.20. He has 14 five-fors to his name in red-ball cricket.

Apart from Cook, the bowling attack comprises Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. Right-arm seamer Matthew Potts and wicketkeeper-batter James Rew are the two players in the 13-man squad who will miss out. The latter came in as a late replacement for Jordan Cox, who suffered a side strain while making a century for Essex earlier this month. The England bowling attack lacks experience but oozes talent.

On expected lines, Zak Crawley keeps his place as an opener. Meanwhile, Ollie Pope comes back to No. 3 from the middle-order. Jamie Smith will don the wicketkeeping gloves after returning from paternity leave.

Ben Stokes, England's red-ball skipper, is also expected to roll his arm over when required after undergoing hamstring surgery in January. This will be the veteran all-rounder's first competitive match since the Test tour of New Zealand in December.

England's last Test appearance saw them beat the Kiwis 2-1 in a three-match series in New Zealand in November-December. The Three Lions would want to put in a strong show against Zimbabwe as they gear up to host India in June.

England XI

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), James Smith (WK), Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, Shoaib Bashir.