Kent ‘disenchanted’ as Cox indicators three-year Essex deal
Kent are “disappointed” that Jordan Cox, the wicketkeeper-batter who toured Pakistan with England’s T20I squad final yr, has turned down the supply of a contract extension in an effort to be part of Essex.
Cox knowledgeable the membership on Monday of his need to go away on the finish of this season and has signed a three-year cope with Essex the place he’s seen as a long-term substitute for Dan Lawrence, who’s leaving for Surrey.
Cox went to high school in Essex – at Felsted, 10 miles north of Chelmsford – the place he labored carefully with Jason Gallian. Gallian turned chair of Essex’s cricket committee earlier this yr and the pair have maintained an excellent relationship.
Cox’s departure is a significant blow for Kent, the county the place he has performed for the reason that age of 10. He performed a significant role in the club’s Blast win two years ago, scoring 58 not out within the remaining earlier than organising a exceptional relay catch throughout Somerset’s run chase with sensational athleticism on the boundary rope.
“We’re disappointed that Jordan has decided to move on from Kent next year,” Paul Downton, Kent’s director of cricket, stated in a terse membership assertion. “He has made a name for himself as a Kent cricketer and has been extremely well supported by the club.”
Downton, who’s leaving his position on the finish of the season, added: “That said, we would like to thank Jordan for his contributions to Kent Cricket and wish him well with his cricket in the future.”
He is the second keeper-batter academy graduate to go away Kent within the final 12 months, after Ollie Robinson joined Durham on the finish of final yr. Robinson has thrived since transferring north, scoring three Championship a whole bunch this season and ending the Blast as Durham’s prime run-scorer.
There has been a logjam of wicketkeeper-batters on the county, with membership captain Sam Billings typically taking the gloves when he has been out there – although Cox had saved wicket in Kent’s final six Championship video games with Billings taking a break from first-class cricket after a lean run of type.
Billings tweeted on Friday evening that he was “disappointed” to see Cox depart the membership, however added: “As a club I don’t think we could have supported his journey any more & at times prioritised his development over others.
He added: “Opportunities for younger gamers now are countless. Good recommendation & help networks are paramount to navigate by way of a profession particularly within the early (most essential) levels of improvement.”
Essex have used three different wicketkeepers this year – Adam Rossington, Michael Pepper and Will Buttleman – but none has scored heavily in the Championship. Cox has not been given any guarantees around keeping wicket, but is likely to have opportunities with the gloves at some stage.
Anthony McGrath, their head coach, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been capable of safe the signing of Jordan, who’s a younger, hungry cricketer trying to impress in all codecs.
“He will add real depth and quality to our batting line-up, as well as strengthening our wicket-keeping ranks too, and we are all very much looking forward to working with him.”
Cox stated it was “a real honour” to signal for Essex, including: “The team is full of talent, they are going places, and I can only see the group getting better over the coming seasons. I’m excited to join them and contribute to what I hope will be a successful future.
“I’d wish to thank everybody at Kent for every part they’ve accomplished for me to get me the place I’m in the present day. I’ll miss my team-mates, coaches and the workers at Kent however I really feel that now’s the time for me to maneuver on.
“The club will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always look back on my time here fondly. I will continue to give my all for Kent during the rest of my time here.”