Uncapped Cox and Cook join depleted England squad as Stokes returns for summer opener at Trent Bridge

Jordan Cox has been recalled to England’s Test squad for the upcoming one-off match against Zimbabwe, joining Essex team-mate Sam Cook in a 13-man group named for the summer opener at Trent Bridge on May 22.

The pair are part of an injury-hit squad assembled by selectors dealing with the absence of several first-choice bowlers. While Cook’s maiden call-up was anticipated after Essex rested the seamer recently, Cox’s return completes a redemptive arc following an untimely injury that cost him a debut last year.

Cook, 27, has taken 302 first-class wickets for Essex at a stunning average of 18.49. His disciplined control and adaptability impressed during a strong England Lions tour of Australia, where he shone with the Kookaburra ball. Cook has also rejected franchise opportunities to focus on long-format cricket, a decision that now appears vindicated with Chris Woakes still returning from an ankle injury and Mark Wood out until late July.

Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts are the most experienced seamers in the squad, with 11 and 10 caps respectively, while Shoaib Bashir retains his place as the most capped bowler with 15 appearances, despite a difficult start to the season on loan at Glamorgan.

For Cox, the call-up marks his third inclusion in the Test setup. He was set to debut in New Zealand last year with Jamie Smith on paternity leave, only to break his thumb days before the first Test. His response this season has been emphatic, scoring 255 runs in three Division One matches at an average of 63.75 and a strike rate of 73.48, including a century against Surrey and 82 against Nottinghamshire.

Despite his form, Cox may have to wait longer for a debut. With Smith available again and Jacob Bethell away at the IPL, Ollie Pope is expected to return at No. 3, relegating Cox to reserve batter.

The squad also sees the return of Josh Tongue, fit again after two injury-plagued years. The fast bowler has made an early-season statement with 15 wickets for Nottinghamshire at 24.26, bolstering an attack missing Wood, Brydon Carse, and Olly Stone.

Notably absent is Durham opener Ben McKinney, despite his recent 153 against Warwickshire and eye-catching Lions tour. Instead, the selectors have persisted with Zak Crawley, who has struggled domestically but boasts strong returns against Australia and India over the past two years. Crawley’s stroke play and experience are seen as valuable with two massive series looming against India and Australia.

Captain Ben Stokes will lead England for the first time this year after recovering from a hamstring injury that required surgery in January. Though he’s been bowling in training, he may play solely as a batter against Zimbabwe. The management hopes to build his bowling workload gradually in time for the five-Test India series starting June 20. Stokes may also feature in one of two England Lions games against India A in late May and early June.

Coach Brendon McCullum will arrive from New Zealand in time for a pre-series training camp at Loughborough, beginning the weekend of May 10. Several squad members, including Joe Root and Harry Brook, are in County Championship action this week as final preparations ramp up.

The Zimbabwe Test marks the first step in a packed year for England, with a blockbuster calendar including visits from India and a winter Ashes tour in Australia. For now, all eyes will be on whether Cox and Cook can finally make their mark in the Test arena.