Cox Steps In: England's Bold Gamble After Buttler's Injury

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-27

Sometimes the biggest breaks come from someone else's bad luck. That's exactly what's happening for Jordan Cox this weekend. ### Buttler Out, Cox In Jos Buttler is out with a hamstring injury, and that means Cox gets his first ODI cap since 2024 in the series decider against Sri Lanka at The Oval on Sunday. It's a big moment for the 25-year-old, who's been waiting for a chance like this all summer. Buttler's absence opens the door for Cox to play in a third format for England this year. He's already suited up for Tests and T20Is against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Now, an ODI spot would complete the set. ### A Summer of Stepping Up Cox has been here before. His rise this summer has often followed injuries to other players. He stepped into the Test side at The Oval after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were withdrawn, then returned against Pakistan when Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a knee problem. In that stretch, he made three fifties in five innings. But it hasn't always been smooth. Two winters ago, a fractured thumb in the nets cost him a Test debut in New Zealand. So this summer's run has come after a long wait. > "The gap taught me more about my own game, especially in red-ball cricket," Cox said. "It sharpened my hunger to get back." ### Reflecting on Two Years Away Cox made his white-ball debut for England in 2024, but didn't play again until this year. Watching teammates succeed while he was out of the picture pushed him to want another chance. That chance came at No. 3 in the Test team when Bethell was injured. Cox says he wanted to prove people could trust him in that role. The Kent batter also kept wicket during the third Test against Pakistan after Jamie Smith injured his finger. He took five dismissals and hit the winning run as England completed a 3-0 series sweep. That versatility across roles and formats has become central to his case for a regular place. ### What a Recall Means for England's Depth A place in Sunday's XI would be only Cox's tenth List A appearance. That shows how thin his experience is at this level compared to his exposure in other formats. Buttler remains, in Cox's own words, one of the best white-ball cricketers England has produced. But his absence gives the squad a look at its depth option behind the stumps. England have a heavy winter ahead, with tours of Pakistan, Australia, South Africa and Bangladesh all scheduled. Cox says his focus is on taking chances as they come rather than looking too far ahead. The ECB is also due to announce its next round of central contracts in the coming weeks. A strong showing at The Oval could factor into that decision. Sri Lanka levelled the series with a win at Headingley on Thursday, so England will be looking to close out the tour with a 2-1 result. For Cox, a recall on Sunday would mark another step in a summer that has repeatedly rewarded him for being ready when the opportunity arrived. It's a reminder that in cricket, as in life, being prepared for the moment is half the battle. Cox has done the work. Now we'll see if he can seize the day.