Jordan Cox's Setback: Side Strain Holds Key to England Test Debut
Cricketer set for late examination on flank strain days post Test selection in England
In a bitter blow of misfortune, Jordan Cox - the lanky chap from Essex who's been called up to join England's Test squad - is facing a delayed scan for a busted side he picked up during the 2025 County Championship.
Cox has proven himself on the county circuit, earning his place in England's 13-man squad for the historic one-off Test against Zimbabwe. Two lads, Cox and Essex vice-captain Sam Cook, make their debut for Team England in this historic match.
Cox's call-up came just three days before he sustained the injury, scoring a gritty 26 for Essex against Somerset at Taunton. Despite the pain, Cox battled on, bringing his team to a 61-run lead in the first innings. However, during the second innings, as he was closing in on a century, he dived for a run, wincing in agony. After getting some treatment, he resumed his knock, eventually reaching his 10th first-class hundred. However, he couldn't continue due to a stubborn side strain.
Faced with the challenge of a delayed scan, Cox's desperate followers are eagerly awaiting word on whether he'll be able to suit up for the big game against Zimbabwe. Essex captain Tom Westley supplied a dose of reality, explaining that the scans can't be conducted on Sundays but would happen ASAP on Monday to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Jordan Cox: A Warrior with a Troublesome History
This one-off Test against Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe's first on English soil since 2003, could've marked Cox's third Test call-up. However, a trail of busted thumbs and cracked ribs has plagued Cox's career, much like a stubborn cheese in the mind of a rat. Having played three ODIs and T20Is in 2024, a Test cap has alluded him like the ever-receding horizon.
England included him in the 2024 squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka, but he never got a look-in. And during the New Zealand tour, he was all set to strap on the wicket-keeping gear when Jamie Smith took a paternity break, but a broken right thumb kept his debut on hold.
Should the recent scan reveal the same fate, England might be forced to turn to young Durham batter Ben McKinney as a replacement. Talk about stepping into the limelight without looking back!
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- Fans of Jordan Cox, the Essex player called up to England's Test squad but currently recovering from a side strain, are racing against time to see if he can recover in time for the historic one-off Test against Zimbabwe.
- A delayed scan determines whether Cox will be able to participate in the match, as scans can only be conducted on Monday, instead of Sundays.
- If Cox's injury persists, England might have to reassess their batting lineup, possibly turning to young Durham batter Ben McKinney for a Test debut.
