Opportunity knocks for Jordan Cox after Jos Buttler injury

Cox looks set to deputise behind the stumps against Sri Lanka at The Oval after regular wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was ruled out by a hamstring injury. It would complete a home season in which he has returned to contention in all three formats after a run of previous bad luck when it came to England opportunities.

As with the call to step in at No. 3 for the Test side, where Cox impressed against Pakistan in the absence of Jacob Bethell, it is another player's injury that has paved the way. Cox has experienced such misfortune from both sides, having missed out on a Test debut in New Zealand two winters ago after fracturing his thumb in the nets.

"I definitely feel like the extra two years helped me get to know my game, especially in the red-ball format," Cox said. "I know my game a bit better. I was young [when debuting in white-ball cricket in 2024]... You don't really understand what it really means to play for England. Now I've had time away, two years of not being able to play and seeing other people do well for England, and you go 'I really want a slice of that'.

"It's something I really wanted to do, I wanted people to be able to trust me - even in that number three spot [in the Test team] when Beth was unfortunately injured - for people to say 'he's taken it with both hands'. I feel like I've done that."

Balancing the demands of three formats at international level is a challenge few excel at but Cox's versatility can only help his case to be involved - as demonstrated in the third Test against Pakistan, when he took the wicketkeeping gloves in the wake of Jamie Smith's finger injury and claimed five dismissals, before hitting the winning run as England sealed a 3-0 whitewash.

Ahead of a busy winter that will feature tours of Pakistan, Australia, South Africa and Bangladesh, Cox intends to keep putting his hand up.

"I feel like you can reflect when you retire. I'll just try to get the opportunity to go to Pakistan, then it's Australia, South Africa, all these things. It's all from putting performances on the field. I've understood that I've had a lucky year, or a good year, playing so much for England but it's only a start."

"if I do get the opportunity that will be awesome. Jos is probably the best ever white-ball cricketer we've produced but he's someone who can go under the radar in 50-over cricket. Whoever comes in will be an excited person. The opportunity in sport comes around and you've got to look forward to the challenge."

Unsurprisingly, given his own misfortune with injuries, Cox won't be looking too far beyond a chance to seal the series against Sri Lanka, following the tourists' spirited win at Headingley on Thursday. But with the ECB set to announce its latest batch of central contracts in the coming weeks, confirmation of Cox's ascent to the next level might not be far away.

"It's going to be amazing [being involved in the third ODI], 1-1 isn't what we wanted but for the series to be on the line and to finish at The Oval with a packed house will be pretty special. They're the games you want to be playing in. To get 2-1 and a series win is massive and that's always a goal for us as a team. But it's also about enjoying the moment and finishing the summer on a high.

"Everyone wants to get a central contract. Once you play for England you're next goal is 'can I get a central contract?'. If i was to get one that would be pretty awesome. If I get the call after the day's play on Sunday, or Monday morning, then that would be pretty special."