Sam Cook poised for England Test debut against Zimbabwe

Essex seamer Sam Cook is on the verge of making his England Test debut after being rested from county duty, as selectors look to manage his workload ahead of the upcoming Test against Zimbabwe. Cook, 27, has built an outstanding first-class record with over 318 wickets at an average under 20, and his recent performances for England Lions in Australia have further strengthened his case. England faces a shortage of pace options due to injuries to key bowlers such as Mark Wood, Olly Stone, Brydon Carse, and Chris Woakes, which has paved the way for Cook's likely inclusion. Despite England's ongoing desire to add raw pace to their attack, team management and selectors have emphasized the value of bowlers with Cook's skill set and accuracy for a balanced bowling lineup. Cook was close to debuting last summer before a hamstring injury intervened, but current selection discussions and the proactive management of his preparation suggest his first cap is imminent. His potential debut is seen as part of England's broader efforts to rebuild their pace attack in the post-Anderson and Broad era.