Overview
- Essex seamer Sam Cook and batter Jordan Cox have been called up for potential Test debuts in the one-off match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge from May 22-25.
- Ben Stokes, recovering from hamstring surgery, is set to lead the squad but may not bowl to manage his fitness ahead of a busy summer.
- The pace attack includes newcomers Cook, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Matthew Potts, addressing the absence of Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, and others due to injuries.
- Zak Crawley and Shoaib Bashir retain their spots despite recent struggles with form, reflecting the selectors' continued faith in their potential.
- This four-day Test marks England and Zimbabwe's first meeting in the format since 2003 and serves as preparation for a five-Test series against India starting in June.