England wicketkeeper Jordan Cox has been sidelined from the three-test series against New Zealand after fracturing his thumb during a net session in Queenstown. The injury occurred ahead of the series opener in Christchurch, scheduled for Thursday.
Cox, who was poised to make his test debut as a replacement for Jamie Smith—absent for the birth of his first child—now faces a significant setback.
“I’m gutted for Jordan,” England coach Brendon McCullum said. “He has been shaping up nicely, both with the bat and gloves, since we got to New Zealand. These things happen in sport, and we’ll support him through this. His time will come in the future.”
Ollie Pope stepped in as wicketkeeper for the second day of England’s tour match against the New Zealand Prime Minister’s XI on Sunday. A replacement for Cox will be announced “in due course,” the England team confirmed.
England will now adjust their squad dynamics as they prepare for the challenging test series against the Black Caps.
