SAM COOK will finally get the chance to prove his Test credentials after he received his first England call-up for this month’s clash with Zimbabwe.

The skilful seamer is one of two uncapped players in the 13-man squad, joining Essex team-mate Jordan Cox. The hard-hitting batter was pencilled in for a debut in New Zealand before Christmas, only to miss out when he broke his thumb in the nets.

Cook has been one of the most impressive performers in the county game for a number of years but has found himself leapfrogged by a succession of quicker bowlers. With James Anderson and Stuart Broad retired and Chris Woakes yet to play this season through injury, there is a vacancy for a swing and seam specialist with more modest pace and nobody fits the bill better than Cook.