Zealand prime minister

New Zealand Prime Minister: Wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox has been ruled out of England men’s upcoming Test series in New Zealand due to a broken thumb, with the side adding that his replacement will be announced in due course. Cox, who has played ODIs and T20Is for England previously, was poised to make his Test debut in the series opener at Hagley Oval in Christchurch next week as a stand-in for Jamie Smith, who is on paternity leave.

But he suffered the injury to his right thumb in the England nets session while facing throwdowns from spin-bowling coach Jeetan Patel ahead of play on Day Two of the two-day tour match against the New Zealand Prime Minister’s XI at Sir John Davies Oval.

“I’m gutted for Jordan (Cox). 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's resilient and his time will come at some point in the future,” said head coach Brendon McCullum in a statement.