England playing XI for one-off Test against Zimbabwe announced, Sam Cook to debut
Published - 20 May 2025, 05:56 PM | Updated - 20 May 2025, 11:40 PM
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England have announced their playing XI for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe that is scheduled to be played from May 22 at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham.
On Tuesday, May 20, England head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed that Essex pacer Sam Cook will make his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
The 27-year-old will be part of England’s pace attack that features Josh Tongue, who is returning to the side after a lengthy injury layoff, alongside Gus Atkinson. Shoaib Bashir will lead the spin department as England is ready to kick off their red-ball summer in style.
England announces Playing XI for one-off Test against Zimbabwe
After months of recovery from hamstring surgery, England captain and star all-rounder Ben Stokes is not only ready to lead the side, but he’s also expected to be back to bowling against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
Ben Stokes is also likely to roll his arm over once again in the one-off Test match to regain rhythm ahead of the high-profile five-match Test series against India.
The star all-rounder last played a competitive match on the New Zealand tour in December 2024. Stokes is now fired up to bring the all-around firepower to the lineup. His return to full fitness couldn’t come at a better time, as England gears up for the blockbuster Test season.
Matthew Potts and James Rew ignored for Zimbabwe Test
However, it’s heartbreak for a few rising stars, as Matthew Potts has been dropped from the Test side despite being selected for the white-ball series against the West Indies. Apart from Potts, Somerset’s James Rew has also been missed out on the selection.
Meanwhile, Zak Crawley will continue as an opener while Ollie Pope has been re-drafted into the No. 3 position. Jamie Smith also returned to the playing XI as wicketkeeper for the one-off Test match against the Zimbabwe team, as he is set to return from paternity leave.
Joe Root, Harry Brook, and captain Ben Stokes will take care of the middle order. The last time England faced Zimbabwe in a Test match was back in 2003, when Rob Key, the team's managing director, was batting in the middle order.
Read Also: Captain Rishabh Pant doesn't know his own role: Mohammad Kaif launches vicious attack
England Playing XI vs Zimbabwe for one-off Test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), James Smith (WK), Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, Shoaib Bashir.
I've not had a drink since 2 January: Ben Stokes
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes revealed he hasn’t touched alcohol since January 2, keeping a promise he made to himself during rehab. He plans to enjoy a drink after the Zimbabwe Test, as his pledge was to stay sober until he returned to the field. Stokes admitted his relationship with alcohol wasn’t great at first but has improved as he’s learned self-control over time.
Stokes said on the Untapped Podcast, “After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it, after the initial adrenaline had stopped, thinking, 'How has this happened? We did have a bit of a drink four or five nights ago; could that have played a part? It wouldn't have helpe’d.”
He added, “Then I was like, 'OK, I need to start changing what I do.' I don't think I'll ever be completely sober, but I've not had a drink since 2 January. I said to myself, 'Not until I finish my injury rehab and get back on the field.' I think the day I wake up and can't be bothered to do the training program is getting towards that time you don't really want it anymore. But I haven't got any interest in stopping.”
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