Cricket

England's white-ball squads for their upcoming Caribbean tour have been bolstered by the additions of Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed. Both players are currently with the Test team in Pakistan, but will join the white-ball squad in Antigua on Monday.Cox, the Essex wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make his Test debut in New Zealand and may leave the Caribbean early. He is likely to miss the five-match T20I series but will arrive in New Zealand in time for England's warm-up match on November 23.Rehan, who has been named in England's XI for the third Test in Pakistan, will arrive late in the Caribbean and is unlikely to feature in the first ODI against West Indies on November 31.Cox made his international debut in England's T20I series against Australia last month and is likely to win his first ODI cap in the Caribbean. He will also deputise as England's keeper in the New Zealand series, with Jamie Smith set to miss at least one Test on paternity leave.Rehan's involvement in the third Test in Pakistan is likely to rule him out of at least the first ODI, and he may not be considered until the T20Is. He is one of three wristspinners in England's squads along with Adil Rashid and Jafer Chohan.England announced that Liam Livingstone will captain them in their three ODIs in the Caribbean, with Jos Buttler missing that leg of the tour due to injury. Essex's Michael Pepper has also been added to the squads as cover.West Indies are 2-0 down in an ODI series in Sri Lanka ahead of the final match on Saturday and are yet to announce their squads for the series against England. The first ODI takes place in Antigua on November 31, with the tour running until the fifth T20I in St Lucia on November 17.

Jordan Cox, a promising 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, is poised to make his Test debut for England during their upcoming tour to New Zealand. Cox's opportunity arises due to Jamie Smith's expected absence for paternity leave during part of the series.Cox, who has been England's spare batter for their last five Tests, has impressed with his performances for Essex. Despite missing the wicketkeeping role this summer due to a broken finger, he has been working diligently with Brendon McCullum in Pakistan to enhance his glovework.McCullum expressed confidence in Cox's abilities, stating that New Zealand is a "comfortable place" to keep wicket. He believes Cox's "solid" glovework and talent with the bat make him a suitable candidate for the Test level.Cox's journey to the England Test team has been marked by determination and a desire for change. After feeling stagnant at Kent, he moved to Essex to reignite his passion for four-day cricket. His impressive performances for Essex, including four centuries, have earned him a place in the England squad.While Cox's lack of recent wicketkeeping experience may raise some concerns, England's selection of Smith earlier this summer, despite his second-choice status at Surrey, suggests that this is not a major issue.Cox's Test debut will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his skills and stake a claim for a permanent spot in the England team. His self-assured character and talent make him a promising prospect for the future.

Essex's batting prowess was on full display at the Utilita Bowl as Jordan Cox and Dean Elgar notched up centuries against Hampshire in the Vitality County Championship.Cox, who was overlooked by England for the First Rothesay Test against Sri Lanka, responded with a blistering 141 off 124 balls. His innings included sixes off James Fuller and Nick Gubbins, showcasing his aggressive batting style.Elgar, the former South African captain, continued his impressive form with a masterful 136, his 51st first-class century. The left-hander occupied the crease for over five hours, ticking off runs with workmanlike efficiency.Together, Cox and Elgar put on a 154-run partnership, doubling Essex's advantage after they were put into bat on a green pitch. Captain Tom Westley also contributed with a solid 64 before being caught and bowled by Liam Dawson.Hampshire's bowlers fought back in the afternoon session, with Kyle Abbott dismissing Elgar and Matt Critchley. Nick Abbas picked up Paul Walter and Michael Pepper, while Dawson removed Simon Harmer.Despite the late wickets, Essex reached 404 for eight at the close of play, collecting three bonus points. The match is likely to end in a draw due to the rain-affected first day, but Essex's strong batting performance has put them in a commanding position.

Oval Invincibles secured their place in the knockout rounds of The Hundred with a dominant nine-wicket victory over London Spirit at The Kia Oval. Jordan Cox, who was recently selected for the England Men's Test team, played a pivotal role in the win, smashing an unbeaten 61 off just 30 balls.The Spirit, who were already eliminated from contention, struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 96 runs in their first innings. Michael Pepper provided a bright start with a quickfire 27, but his dismissal triggered a collapse that saw Spirit lose five wickets for just 52 runs.Adam Zampa, who has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, continued his fine run with figures of 4 for 17. Ollie Stone, another England Men's squad member, also bowled well, conceding just 16 runs from his four overs.Invincibles' chase was never in doubt, with Cox leading the charge from the outset. The 21-year-old opener struck seven fours and two sixes, including the winning blow that sealed the victory with 37 balls to spare.The win means Sam Billings' side, who have won six of their seven games, are guaranteed a place in the top three of the men's competition. Their final game against Trent Rockets will determine whether they will advance directly to The Hundred Final on August 18 or play in The Hundred Eliminator the day before.

Essex dominated day two of their Vitality Championship match against Kent, declaring on a mammoth 591 for 7 before reducing the hosts to 118 for 4.Jordan Cox, returning to Canterbury for the first time since leaving Kent, starred with a double century (207). Shane Snater (83*) and Michael Pepper (82) also contributed significantly.Kent's hopes of a comeback were dashed by Matt Critchley's 2 for 19, including the crucial wicket of Ben Compton (41). Joe Denly (4*) and nightwatchman Matt Parkinson (10*) held on at stumps, but the hosts still trail by 473 runs.Essex resumed on 287 for 4 overnight, and Cox quickly reached his century with a cover-driven four off Parkinson. Kent briefly rallied with the wickets of Pepper and Simon Harmer, but Snater joined Cox for a 163-run partnership that took Essex to 449 for 6 at lunch.Cox continued his onslaught, reaching 150 with a single off Bhuiyan and then hitting successive sixes off the same bowler. Snater also reached his half-century, and the pair set a new Essex seventh-wicket partnership record against Kent (153).When Cox was finally dismissed by Marcus O'Riordan, Essex declared immediately. Zak Crawley and Daniel Bell-Drummond fell cheaply for Kent, while O'Riordan was lbw to Critchley. Compton was also unlucky to be given out lbw, leaving Parkinson to come in as the nightwatchman.

Essex's hopes of an unlikely victory over Warwickshire in the Vitality County Championship were boosted by an unbroken century stand between Jordan Cox and Matt Critchley on day three at Chelmsford.Set a daunting target of 330 to win in 170 overs, Essex were in dire straits at 2 for 2, but Cox (77*) and Critchley (46*) rescued the innings with a composed partnership worth 112 in 37 overs. Cox became only the third player in the match to reach fifty, while Critchley played a supporting role with some aggressive shots.Essex's chase had started disastrously when Feroze Khushi was trapped lbw first ball, and Nick Browne was caught in the covers by a stunning diving catch from Che Simmons. However, Elgar and Westley steadied the ship, putting on a 50-run partnership before Westley was dismissed for 18.Cox's arrival at the crease accelerated the scoring rate, and he and Elgar added 47 in 12 overs. Elgar eventually fell for 60, but Critchley continued to attack, hitting a six over long-on off Yates.Warwickshire had opted not to enforce the follow-on despite their substantial first-innings lead of 235 runs. However, their second innings lasted just 75 minutes in the morning session, as Essex spinners Critchley and Simon Harmer shared seven wickets.Rae was bowled by Harmer, while Burgess was caught at midwicket off Critchley. Chris Benjamin, who was called up as a concussion substitute for Sam Hain, nicked to Cox at slip. Jacob Bethell hit two boundaries off Critchley before skying a catch to the bowler. Harmer wrapped up the innings when Simmons was caught on the long-on fence by Westley.Essex will resume on the final day needing 106 runs to win with six wickets in hand. A victory would be a remarkable turnaround after their poor start to the chase.

Essex's Jordan Cox unleashed a whirlwind century against his former Kent teammates, propelling Essex to a commanding lead in the Vitality County Championship match at Chelmsford. Cox's unbeaten 116, featuring six towering sixes, helped Essex amass 257 for 4 in the evening session, extending their lead to 374 runs.Earlier, Kent's Ben Compton had anchored the innings for over eight hours, scoring a resolute 165 to prevent Essex from enforcing the follow-on. Compton's marathon knock was supported by Daniel Bell-Drummond's 135, but Essex's legspinning allrounder Matt Critchley proved to be their nemesis. Critchley claimed 5 for 105, including the wickets of Bell-Drummond and Compton, to restrict Kent to 413.Essex's second innings began with Dean Elgar surviving an early chance, but Garrett dismissed him for 34. Kent struck again when Feroze Khushi was caught off Garrett's bowling. However, Cox took charge, reverse-sweeping Parkinson for boundaries and launching sixes over the field. Critchley joined the party with a quickfire 25, while Michael Pepper contributed 45 not out.Essex's declaration left Kent with a daunting target of 375 to win. The match is poised for an exciting finish, with rain and high winds forecast for the final day.

Essex's batting prowess remains unyielding as they amassed a formidable 421 for 6 on the opening day of their County Championship clash against Kent at Chelmsford. Dean Elgar, the former South African Test opener, led the charge with a composed 120, while Jordan Cox, a promising England prospect, contributed a fluent 67. Matt Critchley remained unbeaten on 103* at stumps, ensuring Essex's dominance.Elgar's innings was a masterclass in application and precision. He occupied the crease for 176 balls, anchoring Essex's innings with his trademark grit and determination. Cox, on the other hand, played with a youthful exuberance, showcasing his wide range of strokes and impressive footwork.The pair's 159-run partnership for the third wicket laid the foundation for Essex's imposing total. They weathered the early storm caused by Kent's seamers, who dismissed Tom Westley and Feroz Khushi cheaply. However, the introduction of Matt Parkinson's legspin proved to be a catalyst for Essex's acceleration.Cox took full advantage of Parkinson's loose deliveries, smashing him for 13 runs in his first over. Elgar, too, stepped up his scoring rate, driving the ball with authority. Cox's dismissal for 67 did little to halt Essex's momentum, as Critchley joined Elgar in a fluent partnership.Elgar's departure for 120 was a minor setback, but Paul Walter and Michael Pepper continued the onslaught. Walter struck three sixes before falling to Parkinson, while Pepper peppered the boundary with his powerful shots. Critchley, the epitome of composure, guided Essex through the second new ball and remained unbeaten at the close.Essex's batting performance was a testament to their depth and quality. They showed no signs of complacency after their opening-week victory at Trent Bridge, and their dominance suggests they will be a force to be reckoned with in this year's County Championship.