England in New Zealand: Broken thumb rules Jordan Cox out of Test series

Vice-captain Pope took the gloves on the second day of the warm-up game on Sunday, but with only 14 players in Queenstown and some opting for extra time in the nets, England had to ask James Anderson to take part as a fielder.

Anderson, 42, has been working as England’s bowling consultant since retiring from Test cricket in July and is entered in the Indian Premier League auction, beginning on Sunday.

The injury is cruel on Cox, who was facing throw-downs from England assistant coach Jeetan Patel.

Cox has been the reserve keeper and batter in the Test squad since the summer and had already been told he would make his debut in place of Smith.

England will call up a replacement, yet Cox’s injury is the latest episode in a constantly changing picture behind the stumps. Smith, 24, was made first choice at the beginning of the home summer after Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes were dropped.

A return for either seems unlikely. Phil Salt has kept for England in white-ball cricket, while Durham’s Ollie Robinson has impressed in the County Championship.

Somerset 20-year-old James Rew is an exciting prospect and currently with the England Lions in South Africa, alongside another 20-year-old in Matty Hurst of Lancashire.