England have named their playing XI for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe.
Sam Cook to make his Test debut
The headline news is that Essex seamer Sam Cook will make his Test debut, while fellow paceman Josh Tongue has been recalled to the side after nearly two years. Tongue last played Test cricket in June 2023, against Australia at Lord's.
Overall, the side bears a settled look to the teams that England have put out over the past World Test Championship cycle. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett keep their places, with Ollie Pope at No.3.
The middle-order is made up of Joe Root, Harry Brook and skipper Ben Stokes, with Jamie Smith slotting in as the wicketkeeper at No.7 following a breakout first season of Test cricket in the back half of 2024.
Shoaib Bashir remains England's first-choice spinner, and was virtually nailed-on to play after being the only slow bowler selected in the 13-man squad. The two players to miss out are keeper James Rew and pacer Matthew Potts. Rew had only been called up to the squad after Jordan Cox had to withdraw with injury.
More to follow...
England playing XI for one-off Test v Zimbabwe
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Gus Atkinson
- Josh Tongue
- Sam Cook
- Shoaib Bashir
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