England hint at Test call-up for in-form Sam Cook ahead of summer opener against Zimbabwe
As county cricket ticks into its third round, England’s selectors have made a telling move that could signal the dawn of a long-awaited Test career. Sam Cook — Essex’s tireless and ever-reliable seamer — has been asked to sit out this weekend’s County Championship fixture against Worcestershire. While on paper that may seem innocuous, within cricketing circles it speaks volumes.
Resting players in the early stages of a domestic season is rarely done without cause. In Cook’s case, it’s a clear sign that he’s not just under consideration — he’s on the verge of receiving his first Test call-up. With England set to host Zimbabwe at Lord’s in late May, the selectors are beginning to lay the groundwork for the summer’s squad. And Cook, it seems, is very much in the mix.
Consistent Cook Finally Gets His Moment?
For many followers of the county circuit, this development feels overdue. Sam Cook, now 27, has been one of the most consistent and skilful bowlers in English domestic cricket over the past few seasons. The right-armer has racked up an impressive 318 wickets in first-class cricket at a stunning average of 19.77 — numbers that speak to relentless discipline and control.
He may not generate express pace like some of his contemporaries, but what Cook lacks in speed he more than makes up for in movement, precision, and unerring consistency. He’s the kind of bowler you can hand the ball to on a grey April morning or a sun-drenched July afternoon — and he’ll deliver regardless of the conditions.
It’s not just county fans who’ve taken note. Rob Key, England’s managing director of men’s cricket, and selector Luke Wright have both sung his praises in recent months. Key even stated last summer that, had Chris Woakes pulled up injured during the Ashes, Cook would have been the next man in.
That statement now feels even more relevant as Woakes is yet to play a game in 2024, still working his way back from an ankle issue.
England’s Injury Woes Prompt Selection Shake-Up
Cook’s potential inclusion is part of a wider rethinking in the England camp as several key fast bowlers continue to be sidelined. Mark Wood and Olly Stone — both capable of topping 90mph — remain out of action with ongoing knee issues. Brydon Carse hasn’t played this year either due to a toe injury, and Woakes’ return date is still uncertain.
Add to that the delayed availability of Jofra Archer, who remains at the IPL with the Mumbai Indians, and the need for fresh, fully fit seamers becomes all too clear. England are not planning to pull players out of the franchise competition early, so Archer’s red-ball return — if it comes — will likely be later in the summer.
It leaves a number of vacancies in the pace attack, and Cook may finally be set to benefit.
A Winter to Remember with England Lions
Cook’s case for Test inclusion was strengthened further during England Lions’ tour of Australia over the winter. Bowling against quality opposition, including an experienced Australia A side, he took 13 wickets in three matches — reaffirming his ability to trouble top-order batters, even on unforgiving Australian pitches.
He picked up three wickets in the four-day fixture against Australia A, troubling the hosts with his nagging line and subtle seam movement. For those who still questioned whether his county dominance could translate to the next level, this was a timely response.
What also works in his favour is how well he complements England’s current bowling stocks. With Gus Atkinson offering pace and Matthew Potts providing bounce and energy, Cook brings a more metronomic, Glenn McGrath-esque discipline — offering something different in a potentially varied attack.
Eyes on the Zimbabwe Series
England’s summer schedule begins with a historic one-off Test against Zimbabwe, starting 22 May at Lord’s. It will be the first Test between the two nations since 2003, and though England will be firm favourites, the match presents an ideal opportunity to blood new faces — especially in the bowling department.
With conditions likely to suit seam bowling and Zimbabwe lacking a dominant batting line-up, Cook could find himself in dreamland — making his Test debut at the Home of Cricket, where control and patience are often rewarded.
He wouldn’t be the only fresh face in the squad either. Gus Atkinson, who’s taken 18 wickets across formats already in 2024, is also expected to feature prominently. The Surrey paceman is set to play his first County Championship match of the season this week, giving selectors another chance to assess his readiness.
Meanwhile, Josh Tongue — who made his Test debut in last summer’s Ashes and bowled with serious zip — is back in the fold too, impressing in Nottinghamshire colours with a seven-wicket haul against Durham. His ability to bowl fast and extract steep bounce makes him a viable option alongside Cook in a new-look pace attack.
Potts, Woakes, and the Back-Up Brigade
Matthew Potts, who played in England’s final Test of 2024 in New Zealand, is another name in contention. The Durham quick has been a reliable performer whenever called upon and remains firmly in the selectors’ thoughts.
But with Woakes yet to return and Archer unavailable, England are clearly looking to reshape their seam-bowling options for the short and long term. The current injuries, while frustrating, may also offer a valuable window to trial players like Cook who’ve been waiting in the wings.
It’s a move that would align with England’s broader strategy — building squad depth and having more variety in their attack. Cook, with his accuracy and mastery of line and length, offers the kind of reliability that could prove crucial in both home and overseas Tests.
A Humble Cricketer, Ready for the Biggest Stage
What makes Sam Cook’s story so compelling is the way he’s quietly gone about his business. There’s been no fuss, no media campaigns calling for his inclusion — just wicket after wicket, match after match.
Those who’ve watched him closely know that he’s not just a workhorse, but a tactician — a bowler who sets traps, adjusts lengths subtly, and forces batters into mistakes. His bowling isn’t flashy, but it’s ruthlessly effective.
And now, finally, England appear ready to reward that quiet excellence. If he does make his debut at Lord’s next month, it won’t be a leap of faith — it’ll be a deserved recognition of years of hard graft.
As England prepare to turn the page on another summer of Test cricket, Sam Cook might just become the newest name to wear the Three Lions — not with fireworks, but with the kind of dependable brilliance England fans have been craving.
