Injury Sidelines Jordan Cox After Test Call-Up

TAUNTON: Preparations for England’s busy Test cricket season have been disrupted as Jordan Cox, the newly selected wicketkeeper-batter, suffered an injury shortly after his first Test selection.

The 24-year-old was included in England’s 13-man squad for the upcoming Test match against Zimbabwe, set for May 22 at Trent Bridge. However, Cox had to retire hurt while batting for Essex in their County Championship Division One game on Monday.

Cox was performing well, approaching a century, when he appeared to hurt his left side while taking a quick single at 99 runs. He had displayed some discomfort earlier and received treatment on the field before collapsing.

Although he briefly returned to complete his century with a boundary, Cox did not continue his innings. A substitute fielder replaced him for the opposition’s innings.

Following the match, Essex captain Tom Westley verified the injury, but noted that the complete extent was still unknown.

“Jordan is facing a problem with his side, and our medical team is evaluating it,” Westley mentioned. “Unfortunately, due to it being a Sunday, we couldn’t arrange a scan immediately, but we anticipate having more clarity on Tuesday. He played a superb innings, and it was disappointing to witness him leave the field in that manner.”

Cox’s selection for the Test squad was considered as a possible fix for England’s top-order problems, particularly with opener Zak Crawley under pressure after scoring only one half-century in his last 14 Test innings.

England’s summer schedule is intensive, commencing with the Zimbabwe Test at Trent Bridge, followed by a limited-overs series against the West Indies, and ending with a major five-Test home series against India.