Essex seamer Sam Cook will make his Test debut at Trent Bridge as England kickstart their home summer on Thursday, May 22, with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe, who last played against them in 2003.

England’s top order remains pretty much the same as the one that played against New Zealand in their previous Test series late last year, with Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Harry Brook forming their batting core.

Ben Stokes, whose presence feels like a catalyst to lift the side, according to the head coach Brendon McCullum, is back after nursing a hamstring injury and will be leading the side. Jamie Smith will be behind the stumps as keeper and young spinner Shoaib Bashir makes it into the XI as well.

Along with Gus Atkinson, the pace attack will be led by Josh Tongue, who made a memorable Test debut with a five-wicket haul against Ireland at Lord’s. Cook replaces Matthew Potts as the third seamer in the side.

This is the first time Stokes’ side will be without the services of both Stuart Broad and James Anderson at home, following the latter’s retirement last year.

England playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Sam Cook, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.