Jordan Cox Ruled Out of New Zealand Test

Jordan Cox, England's wicketkeeper, has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand after breaking his thumb during practice in Queenstown. Cox was set to make his Test debut, filling in for Jamie Smith, who is on paternity leave. In his absence, Ollie Pope will take over wicketkeeping duties, despite this being an emergency role for him. England opted not to bring a reserve keeper, leaving them to scramble for alternatives such as Phil Salt and Ollie Robinson, with Jonny Bairstow as an outside option. The injury is a significant setback for Cox, who was preparing rigorously for this opportunity. Meanwhile, veteran James Anderson was notably seen in whites, stepping in as a substitute fielder, highlighting England's stretched resources in the warm-up match.