Jordan Cox was told that he would play all three Test matches against New Zealand in December 2024 by then-England head coach Brendon McCullum, as wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith was on paternity leave. However, destiny had other plans for the Essex wicketkeeper-batter, who fractured his right thumb just three days before his Test debut. In his place, Jacob Bethell got the opportunity to make his debut at Christchurch, while Ollie Pope had to step up behind the stumps with the gloves on.
Six months later, another opportunity came Jordan Cox’s way for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at home in May 2025 at Trent Bridge. However, another injury ruined his chance of making his Test debut for the Three Lions. He injured his abdominal muscle while playing for Essex in the County Championship against Somerset. He was forced to retire hurt while batting on 103. Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew replaced him in the 13-member squad.
Frequent injuries kept Jordan Cox out of England’s Test selection, and he wasn’t picked for the away Ashes series (2025/26) against Australia.
Jordan Cox Finally Makes His Long-Awaited England Test Debut
Cox had to wait a long time for his England Test cap, and his moment finally came when he made his Test debut against New Zealand in the second Test at The Oval in June 2026, alongside James Rew and Sonny Baker.
It wasn’t the best debut for him, as he scored 27 and 25 in the two innings. He lost his place for the third Test to incoming skipper Ben Stokes, who had been dropped from the squad for the second Test due to off-field issues.
Can Jordan Cox Hold His Place When Jacob Bethell Returns?
With Jacob Bethell being the first-choice batter ahead of Jordan Cox, the latter had to wait for his opportunity to get consistent chances in the starting XI. Jordan Cox became England’s new No. 3 batter in the three-match Test series against Pakistan after Jacob Bethell was ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 summer after sustaining a knee injury in an ODI against India.
Against Pakistan, Cox made the most of his opportunity, scoring 73, 55, 11, 4 and 59*. He finished the series as the third-leading run-scorer with 202 runs. His key performances played a crucial role in England’s 3-0 series whitewash of Pakistan.
He also stood behind the stumps in place of the injured Jamie Smith in the second innings of the third Test at Edgbaston. Cox did a notable job with the gloves, taking a stunning catch down the leg side to dismiss Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.
It remains to be seen whether Jordan Cox retains his place in England’s starting XI when Jacob Bethell returns. England will play their next Test series against South Africa in South Africa in December later this year.
