England's wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox has been ruled out of the three-Test series against New Zealand. Cox sustained a fractured thumb during a net session before the warm-up match against Prime Minister XI that ended on November 24.
The 24-year-old suffered the injury on November 24 morning in Queenstown. After undergoing scans at a local hospital, he was ruled out of the Test series which is scheduled to start at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on November 28.
"I'm gutted for Jordan (Cox)," Engalnd Test team's head coach Brendon McCullum said. "He has been shaping up nicely, both with the bat and gloves, since we got to New Zealand.
"That's sport, and unfortunately, these things happen. We will get around him and look after him. He is resilient, and his time will come at some point in the future."
Cox registered for IPL mega auction
Cox had registered for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. He opted for the base price of Rs 75 lakh. However, it was unlikely that Cox would have piqued the interest of any of the 10 franchises.
The 24-year-old has played two T20Is for England and scored 17 runs. However, he averages of 44 in The Hundred with 573 runs from 18 innings including four fifties.
Anderson returns to field
Due to Cox's injury, James Anderson took the field four months after retiring from Test cricket.
Cox was included in the squad as wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith opted out of the tour to stay with his wife for the birth of their first child. Cox was expected to make his debut in series opener.
Who will replace Cox?
His possible replacements include Ollie Robinson, Phil Salt, Michael Pepper. There is also an option to recall Jonny Bairstow back in the Test side.
