Namesake Cook Preparing To Be Next On Essex's Menu Of Talent

AT JUST 21, Sam Cook has already played alongside the likes of Peter Siddle and Neil Wagner – this winter he added one half of the most prolific fast bowling pair of all time.

- Paul Eddison

The Essex seamer is entering his second full season at the highest level, having broken through initially at the end of the Championship-winning 2017 campaign.

Following a fine follow-up campaign, even as Essex saw Surrey take their crown, the 21year-old was selected as part of the MCC team to face the Oval outfit in the season opener out in Dubai.

Despite the flat wickets, he caught the eye removing a pair of England openers in Rory Burns and Mark Stoneman, but just as important was what he was able to pick up from Stuart Broad.

The 32-year-old Broad was part of the MCC side, and Cook had no hesitation in bending the ear of the England great.

He explained: “It was a really good experience, I really enjoyed it. It was the first time I’ve played with some different players and having someone like Broad in the team was great. I listened to him and picked up a few different tips.

“We were quite fortunate to have a net session on the first day when we got there. It was myself, Broad and only a couple of others so it was a good opportunity to talk about different tactical things, field settings, how he looks to set a batsman up and how he goes about his bowling. It was really interesting to sit back and listen a bit.