Jordan Cox has responded to missing out on an England Test debut in heartbreaking fashion in the perfect style, making a century in his first innings of the 2025 County Championship for Essex.
Cox was in line to make his bow in England whites behind the stumps in New Zealand, with Jamie Smith’s absence on paternity leave opening the door for him to come into the side. However, while he was with the side preparing for the series, he copped a blow in the nets, breaking his thumb and ruling him out of the tour. Jacob Bethell came into the side instead and impressed, Cox acknowledging while speaking to Wisden that he had slid down the pecking order.
“I don’t think at this moment in time, if I was in their shoes I probably wouldn’t be that next person in,” Cox said. “Popey is probably going to bat three again and Bethell will be the next spare batter.”
He added that his only route back into contention was by scoring runs for Essex, and he has continued in the fashion that won him a call-up in the first place, notching his seventh ton in 12 games since making the switch from Kent after the 2023 campaign.
His century today came against County Championship title-holders Surrey, headlining a strong Essex effort. He made 117 off 145 before being bowled by Kemar Roach. Paul Walter also chipped in with 95 as Essex reached stumps on 356-4.
Cox’s innings took his first-class average above 40. While yet to represent England in Tests, he has played five times in white-ball cricket, making his debut against Australia in September 2024.
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