NZ vs ENG: Jamie Smith opts for paternity leave, Jordan Cox to feature as replacement

England will tour New Zealand for the three-match Test series scheduled to commence from November 28. Ahead of the series, England will be without the services of Jamie Smith as the wicketkeeper-batter is seeking paternity leave. With this development, Jordan Cox, who has been the spare batter for England for the last five Tests will get to play for the team in December. 

Smith and his partner will welcome their baby in December and the occasion might clash with either the second or third Test against New Zealand. The 24-year-old is currently in Pakistan donning the gloves for the team. The batter expressed his desire to be present on the momentous occasion and the thought was seconded by England’s Head Coach, Brendon McCullum.

Also Read: Masood highlights team effort leading to win in second Test against England

"Being at the birth of my son is not something I want to miss. It will be a memory that I cherish more than any in cricket anyway, so if I lost my place because of it, so be it,” said Smith as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"It's life, right? People have kids and we wish them all the best, to be there and support their partners. At this stage, it looks like Jamie will probably play the first [Test in New Zealand] and may miss the next two. We're not totally sure - it's up to Mother Nature a little - but we know we've got Jordan Cox in the squad here,” McCullum added.

Speaking of Cox, he made his international debut in England's T20I series against Australia last month. He is expected to join the England squad for the upcoming white-ball tour to the Caribbean. It is worth noting that, the 23-year-old broke his finger during The Hundred 2024 and subsequently did not keep wicket for Essex.