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Sport Nation
England wicketkeeper ruled out on eve of New Zealand Test series
Sport Nation • November 25th, 2024 8:00 am
Photo: Michael Thomas/Photosport
England's preparations for the Blackcaps has been unsettled by injury with Jordan Cox ruled out for the three-match Test series in New Zealand - the bad news comes after the batter-wicketkeeper sustained a fractured right thumb during a net session in Queenstown over the weekend.
The 24-year-old from Essex was set to make his Test debut at Hagley Oval this week with Jamie Smith away on paternity leave.
"I'm gutted for Jordan (Cox)," England 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."
England will name a replacement in due course, but one option is Ollie Pope - the 26-year-old has donned the keeping gloves three times in his 52 Test career. He also replaced the injured Cox behind stumps against the New Zealand Prime Minister's XI for day two of the two-day tour match at Sir John Davies Oval.
Phil Salt, England's white-ball keeper, playing in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament currently is also a viable option for a call-up.
England white-ball wicketkeeper Phil Salt is currently playing in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament and could be a candidate to step in.
Sport Nation will have live ball-by-ball commentary of the first Test between the Blackcaps and England from Hagley Oval, available on all New Zealand frequencies, plus the new Sport Nation app on Apple and Android.
