Essex wicket-keeper batter Jordan Cox has been ruled out of England’s upcoming Test tour of New Zealand after sustaining a broken thumb in a net session.
The 24 year-old was confirmed to be making his Test debut in Christchurch on Thursday, however his hopes of putting pressure on current incumbent Jamie Smith’s position have been dealt a bitter devastating blow.
Surrey’s Smith was initially nailed on to keep wicket in Stokes’ XI, but he opted out of the series to attend the birth of his first child.
Cox has played three one-day international (ODI) and two T20I’s for England since his international debut earlier this year.
Ollie Pope, England’s captain for the first Test in Pakistan, will deputise behind the stumps in Cox’ absence.
His only previous instances of keeping for England came in New Zealand (2019) and two Tests in Pakistan (2022).
The controversial selection of three frontline spinners and no reserve wicket-keeper in an 18-man squad means they may to have fly out a replacement.
Lancashire’s Matty Hurst and Somerset’s James Rew, both 20, have impressed with strong performances in county cricket, while the experienced duo of Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes will be hoping for international recalls after being dropped from the side in the last 12 months.
However, Durham’s Ollie Robinson appears the favourite to replace Cox against a Kiwi side riding the wave of a historic series victory in India.
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