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England wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox is in doubt for the first Test against New Zealand next week after coping a blow to his hand in the nets.
With Jamie Smith missing the entirety of the New Zealand tour due to the birth of his first child, Cox, 24, was in line for a Test debut as the side’s gloveman in the three-match series which begins in Christchurch on Wednesday (November 28).
However, Cox’s participation in the series opener faced a setback after he was hit on his right hand while batting in the nets before the final day of England’s practice match in Queenstown. He was writhing in pain and was sent for X-rays to the local hospital.
Jofra Archer registered for the IPL mega-auctions but was later withdrawn by the ECB.
However, with stricter sanctions for players who skip seasons, England had to permit him to participate in the 2025 IPL belatedly.
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— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 23, 2024
Cox has had recent bouts with injuries, having sustained a broken finger during the 2023 Hundred. The injury on Saturday also put his chances of playing as a designated keeper for Essex in limbo this summer. He switched to the club from Kent.
Should Cox miss the first Test, vice-captain Ollie Pope, who has stood three times behind the stumps in his 52 Tests, is expected to fill the position.
If Cox’s injury is severe, England could add replacements in the latter half of the series. Phil Salt and Durham’s Ollie Robinson could earn their maiden Test call-ups. Jonny Bairstow is also another possible option, given he still has a year of his central contract. However, he has not played a Test since featuring in his 100th match in India earlier this year.
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