England suffer massive blow! Jordan Cox ruled out of New Zealand Tests

England's plans for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand suffered a massive blow, as the young wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox has been ruled out of the series due to a fractured right thumb on Sunday, November 24.

Jordan Cox fractured his right thumb during a net session in Queenstown, just ahead of the second day of England's tour match against the New Zealand Prime Minister’s XI at Sir John Davies Oval.

England's Jordan Cox out of New Zealand Test series after thumb injury blow

His injury came just days before the first Test between England and New Zealand at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, which is set to get underway on Thursday (November 28). Cox was set to make his debut in the Christchurch Test as a replacement for Jamie Smith, who is currently on paternity leave, but he will now have to head back home.

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As Jordan Cox ruled out of the upcoming three-match Test series in New Zealand, Ollie Pope is all set to step up as the wicketkeeper-batter for the final day of the warm-up match at Sir John Davies Oval.

England cricket team management has confirmed that Jordan Cox’s replacement will be announced soon, as they prepare for the first Test. Meanwhile, England head coach Brendon McCullum expressed his disappointment over Jordan Cox's injury, saying the youngster had been performing well with both the bat and gloves in New Zealand.

I’m gutted for Jordan Cox: Brendon McCullum

McCullum admitted that the injury setbacks are part of the game and assured that the England cricket team would support Cox through this challenging time. As the young keeper missed his chance, the coach is confident that Cox’s opportunity will come in the future.

England coach Brendon McCullum said in an official statement: “I’m gutted for Jordan (Cox). 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's resilient, and his time will come at some point in the future.”

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On the other hand, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in an official media release: “Cox will play no further part in our Test tour of New Zealand after sustaining a thumb injury in training.”

History of Jordan Cox's hand injury

Notably, this isn’t his first injury to Jordan Cox’s hand, as he previously suffered a severe finger injury during The Hundred in 2023. England’s ongoing tour match against New Zealand Prime Minister's XI was his first outing as a keeper in a red-ball game since July 2023.

Furthermore, England’s bowling coach, James Anderson, created a buzz when he was drafted as a substitute fielder for the day during the tour match. Well, England’s squad is already stretched thin, with Jacob Bethell and Rehan Ahmed scheduled to join the team in Christchurch on November 25, following their participation in the white-ball series in the Caribbean.