Thu Nov 28 03:07:31 UTC 2024: ## England’s Cox Ruled Out of New Zealand Test Series With Thumb Fracture

**Queenstown, New Zealand –** England’s hopes of a strong start to their upcoming Test series against New Zealand have been dealt a blow with the news that wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox has been ruled out due to a fractured right thumb.

Cox, who was poised to make his Test debut in the first match in Christchurch next week as cover for the absent Jamie Smith (paternity leave), suffered the injury during a net session in Queenstown. The injury occurred ahead of the second day of England’s warm-up match against the New Zealand Prime Minister’s XI. Ollie Pope filled in as wicketkeeper for the remainder of the match.

England head coach Brendon McCullum expressed his disappointment, stating, “I’m gutted for Jordan. 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.”

A replacement for Cox has not yet been announced by the England team management. The three-match Test series begins next week.

Read More