ESSEX’S Jordan Cox is set to make his long-awaited England debut as the second Rothesay Test against New Zealand gets underway at the Kia Oval tomorrow.
Cox replaces captain Ben Stokes at number seven, fresh from a knock of 204 for Essex against Leicestershire in his first County Championship outing for 11 months.
The selectors have been forced into a dramatic overhaul of the team, with Stokes and seamer Gus Atkinson unavailable following their unauthorised night out in London last week and Ollie Robinson withdrawing due to a knee injury.
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Cox was denied a possible Test debut in December 2024 when he fractured his thumb in training, circumstances which led to Jacob Bethell’s emergence at number three.
He has spent the majority of the domestic season warming the bench at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in India but roared back into contention to leapfrog Rew with his stunning knock against Leicestershire.
England head coach Brendon McCullum said: “We wanted to see what he could do before being thrust into that role for the first time and he scored a double hundred, which was a pretty compelling case.
“We think his power and his rounded game is a pretty good fit at number seven.”
Smith was not present at nets on Monday afternoon, spending time with his family awaiting the arrival of his second child. Rew will remain on hand as back-up gloveman.
England have named debutants Cox and Sonny Baker – with the prospect of James Rew making it a trio of newcomers.
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Hampshire quick Baker bolsters the bowling attack alongside the returning Jofra Archer.
Spinner Shoaib Bashir makes way having not bowled an over in the series opener.
Joe Root will lead the side once again, more than four years after handing the baton to Stokes, and a fifth personnel change could be coming should Jamie Smith’s partner give birth in the next couple of days.
That would see Somerset’s Rew added to the XI, batting at six and keeping wicket.
It represents a remarkable situation little more than a week on from a 115-run victory but McCullum attempted to frame the positives of his enforced reshuffle.
“There’s been a few changes,” he said with heavy understatement.
“Whilst there’s been a bit of chaos and it’s been difficult to navigate through the week…. I look at that line-up we have this week and it’s super exciting. I’m quietly confident we’re going to see some exciting cricket.”
Smith was not present at nets on Monday afternoon, spending time with his family awaiting the arrival of his second child. Rew will remain on hand as back-up gloveman.
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