Jordan Cox to Miss England Lions Tour, Set to Play for Dubai Capitals in ILT20

Jordan Cox, who was recently named PCA men’s player of the year, will leave the England Lions’ tour in Australia early to join Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. He wasn’t picked for England’s 16-man Ashes squad, as they chose Ollie Pope as backup for Jamie Smith. Cox will still play in England Lions’ warm-up game, giving him a chance to impress Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, but unless there’s an injury, he will be in Dubai before the ILT20 begins on December 2. 

Jordan Cox joined Dubai Capitals before the ILT20 auction, earning about US$250,000. He will leave the England Lions’ tour before their game against Australia A on December 5. Last winter, a thumb injury stopped him from making his Test debut, but he is now with England’s T20I squad in New Zealand. Cox had a great summer with Essex and Oval Invincibles, scoring his first international half-century in Ireland and he is ready for a busy winter.

"We have got an agreement. I won't be at the Lions as long as people think. I will be there for the first game, maybe the second. It's mainly to help the England boys get ready for the Test matches, which is the most important thing. When they don't need me, they will flick me off to Dubai." Cox said.

“I’d love to be part of England, but if not, I’ll enjoy some franchise cricket,” he said. “My goal is to play Test cricket, and it would be great to show Stokes, Baz, and Rob Key what I can do in red-ball cricket. Being on the Lions and scoring runs against England bowlers is a good chance to prove I’m ready, and it’s important to show I can fit in with the team both on and off the field.”

Stokes and Mark Wood Near Full Recovery for Australia Series

Brydon Carse, who is also in New Zealand for Saturday’s first T20I, has prepared specially modified bowling boots for this winter’s tours. He had problems with an infected toe last winter and went through many pairs of spikes this summer to avoid surgery. Carse said he had no issues with his toe this season and praised his sponsors for providing specially made boots, which has been a huge help.

“I had a small hole in the boot by my second toe and went through five or six pairs during the India Test series,” Carse said. “New Balance have been very supportive and as long as they keep making boots, I’m happy.” He also trained for two weeks at Loughborough and said Stokes and Mark Wood are recovering well from their injuries, with both almost fully fit and ready for the Australia series.

×

PAK vs SA 1st Test Day 2 Highlights: Pakistan Take Control as Noman Ali Shines, South Africa 216/6 Noman Ali’s excellent bowling helped Pakistan take control as South Africa finished day two of the first Test at 216 for 6 in 67 overs, still 162 runs behind.

by IPL Web Desk October 13, 2025