NOV 25,(V7N) - England wicketkeeper Jordan Cox has been ruled out of the upcoming three-test series against New Zealand after fracturing his thumb during a net session in Queenstown. Cox, who had been poised to make his Test debut in the series opener in Christchurch on Thursday, was set to stand in for regular wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who is missing the tour for the birth of his first child.

Coach Brendon McCullum expressed his disappointment, saying, "I'm gutted for Jordan. He has been shaping up nicely, both with the bat and gloves, since we got to New Zealand. That's sport, and unfortunately, these things happen. We will get around him and look after him. He is resilient, and his time will come at some point in the future."

With Cox sidelined, Ollie Pope took over the gloves for the second and final day of England’s tour match against the New Zealand Prime Minister's XI. The team confirmed that a replacement for Cox would be announced "in due course."

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