England Wicketkeeper Jordan Cox Out of New Zealand Test Series with Thumb Injury

Cox, who was set to make his Test debut as a stand-in for Jamie Smith, fractured his thumb during a practice session in Queenstown.

Jordan Cox suffered a fractured thumb during a net session ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, ruling him out of the three-match series.
Cox was poised to debut as a stand-in wicketkeeper for Jamie Smith, who is on paternity leave, but his injury has left England without a specialist keeper for the series opener.
Ollie Pope, England's vice-captain, stepped in as an emergency wicketkeeper during the warm-up match and is likely to take on the role for the first Test in Christchurch starting Thursday.
England has yet to confirm a replacement for Cox, with Durham's Ollie Robinson and Phil Salt among the leading candidates under consideration.
The injury adds to England’s selection challenges, with Jacob Bethell potentially in line for a debut as the team adjusts its lineup for the series.