Sam Cook and Jordan Cox have been selected for England’s Test squad for their match against Zimbabwe.
Both Essex players have been named in the 13-player squad for Zimbabwe’s visit to Trent Bridge this month, as Brendon McCullum’s men face the Chevrons in a one-off Test match in Nottingham starting on May 22.
The historic fixture marks Zimbabwe’s first Test on English soil since 2003 and is set to launch England’s international summer.
England Men’s Test Squad:
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)
Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
Sam Cook (Essex)
Jordan Cox (Essex)
Zak Crawley (Kent)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Ollie Pope (Surrey)
Matthew Potts (Durham)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jamie Smith (Surrey)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
Chelmsford-born Cook, 27, has been one of the country’s best bowlers over the past few seasons, claiming 318 wickets in 88 first-class matches at an outstanding average of 19.77. He has featured for the England Lions on many occasions, with his first taste of England duty with the Lions back in October 2021 and most recently throughout this winter against Australia A – where he took 13 wickets across three matches.
The call up is more than deserved for Cook, who showed his class last season by taking 43 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 17.30. The right-arm seam bowler was one of four Essex bowlers in the top 10 wicket-takers in Division One.
Like Cook, Cox has produced fantastic numbers in the County Championship and thoroughly deserves his opportunity on the Test stage.
Former Felsted student Cox, 24, had an incredible debut season for Essex in 2024, scoring 918 runs in 11 first-class matches at a more than impressive average of 65.57. Jordan was set for an England Test debut last November in New Zealand but unfortunately suffered an injury during a net session, so didn’t feature.
The boys could both make their England debuts on Thursday May 22 when the Test match begins at 11:00am (GMT).
Anu Mohindru KC, Club Chair, said this on the news: “This is an immensely proud moment for Sam and Jordan, their families, and everyone associated with Essex County Cricket Club.
“Sam now joins the list of Academy graduates called up to the England Test squad, following in the footsteps of Alastair Cook, Tom Westley, Ben Foakes, and most recently, Dan Lawrence.
“It’s also a special day for John Childs, Barry Hyam, and the many coaches who have supported Sam throughout his journey.
“Jordan had a difficult winter after pulling out against New Zealand due to injury but I’m sure he will get his chance soon after the fantastic start to the season with Essex.
“The pair have consistently performed at an elite level in recent seasons and they both fully deserve this opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage.”
Everyone at Essex Cricket congratulates Sam and Jordan on their call-ups, which they have both thoroughly deserved, and we wish them the very best on England duty!
