Sam Cook Set for Test Debut as England Confirm XI to Face Zimbabwe

By Kavya Jain 20 May 2025, 14:28 IST

Sam Cook is confirmed to make his test debut against Zimbabwe on Thursday. England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, confirmed his place in the playing XI two days before the contest at Trent Bridge.

The fast bowler will make his debut in a four-day test match against Zimbabwe. Cook is considered to be one of the most reliable bowlers in English county cricket.

‘It’s any young cricketer’s dream’

Cook revealed how he felt when finding out he would be part of the squad. He said that it is every young cricketer’s dream to put on the test whites.

“I’m obviously very excited about getting the nod and getting out there,” Cook told reporters at Trent Bridge. “It’s any young cricketer’s dream to pull on the Test shirt for England. So it’s something hopefully that comes to fruition and I’m really, really looking forward to it.”

“I think I’ve been pretty positive,” Cook insisted about having to wait for his opportunity. “In professional sport, you’re going to have setbacks and injuries and that sort of thing, but always having that goal to work towards has made me still driven. I’m probably grateful for it, but it’s not something I’d consider to have passed at any point.”

Cook’s Performance So Far

Cook’s phenomenal bowling performance can be clearly seen in county cricket. He has 321 wickets in first-class cricket at an average of just 19.85. In the County Championship, he has 227 wickets, the most by any seamer in the past five years.

Cook further showed his commitment by withdrawing from a few T20I franchise jobs to give his all to the England Lions tour of Australia.

“I feel, at 27, a better cricketer for the experiences I’ve had in the game,” he said. “I think the Lions programme and being in and around the Test set-up over the last few years has made that transition into the squad pretty seamless, and I felt very welcomed. The environment’s been fantastic to be a part of. I’m just excited at the prospect of what’s to come and trying to get stuck in and take some wickets.”