England wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox has been ruled out from the upcoming Test series against New Zealand after sustaining a fractured right thumb during a net session in Queenstown. England have not named a replacement yet.

Cox was set to make his Test debut in the first of the three-match Test series, beginning in Christchurch next week, as a stand-in for Jamie Smith who is currently on paternity leave. The Essex 'keeper sustained the injury ahead of play on the second and final day of the warm-up match against the New Zealand Prime Minister's XI at Sir John Davies Oval in Queenstown. In Cox's absence, Ollie Pope kept the wickets for the final day of the warm-up fixture.

"I'm gutted for Jordan (Cox)," said England head coach, Brendon McCullum. "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."