England's Jordan Cox Ruled Out of New Zealand Test Series with Thumb Injury

England wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand after suffering a fractured thumb. The Essex player was struck on the right glove during a net session, prompting X-rays that confirmed the injury.

Cox, who was expected to deputize for Jamie Smith behind the stumps in the three-match series, sustained the injury during the warm-ups ahead of day two in England's sole practice game against a New Zealand Prime Minister's XI in Queenstown.

This development forces England into a selection dilemma just days before the series opener in Christchurch on Thursday. The management will need to rework their plans as they contend with the absence of the 23-year-old.

England will likely announce a replacement shortly as they prepare to take on the Black Caps in a highly anticipated series.

Photo: getty images through bbc