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4d ago

England Retain Crawley and Bashir as Sam Cook Set for Test Debut Against Zimbabwe

Selectors balance loyalty to underperforming players with the introduction of new talent as injuries deplete England's fast-bowling options.

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Cook has taken seven wickets for Essex in the County Championship so far this season and impressed for the Lions in the winter
Sam Cook finally gets his chance to shine at England level (Photo: Getty)

Overview

  • Zak Crawley and Shoaib Bashir retain their spots despite recent struggles, with Crawley averaging under 20 in his last nine Tests and Bashir taking two wickets at an average of 152 this season.
  • Sam Cook, a prolific county seamer with 318 first-class wickets at an average of 19.77, is set to make his long-awaited Test debut on May 22 at Trent Bridge.
  • Uncapped players Sonny Baker and Jordan Cox are also under consideration, with Cox likely included as a backup batter and Baker as an additional pace option.
  • England's fast-bowling resources are severely depleted due to injuries to Mark Wood, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer's IPL commitments.
  • The Zimbabwe Test serves as a key preparation for England's summer schedule, which includes five Tests against India and a pivotal Ashes series in Australia.