Jordan Cox to join Essex after turning down new contract with Kent

The wicketkeeper has spent his entire county career with Kent, scoring nearly 3,500 runs across the formats since making his debut in 2019

Jordan Cox will join Essex at the end of the 2023 campaign after turning down a new contract at Kent.

The three-year deal will keep him at Chelmsford until the end of 2026.

The wicketkeeper has spent his entire county career with Kent, scoring nearly 3,500 runs across the formats since making his debut in 2019.

His departure will leave Kent looking somewhat light on wicketkeepers, having lost Ollie Robinson to Durham ahead of the 2023 season. Sam Billings, meanwhile, is currently taking time away from the game and often misses matches for Kent due to franchise or international commitments as a fringe member of the England team.

^{Cox has scored nearly 3,500 runs for Kent since making his debut in 2019 [Alex Pantling/Getty Images]}

Kent director of cricket, Paul Downton, admitted the club did not want to lose Cox, stating: "We're disappointed that Jordan has decided to move on from Kent next year.

"He has made a name for himself as a Kent cricketer and has been extremely well supported by the club.

"That said, we would like to thank Jordan for his contributions to Kent Cricket and wish him well with his cricket in the future."

Essex head coach, Anthony McGrath, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure the signing of Jordan, who is a young, hungry cricketer looking to impress in all formats.

"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."

On his impending move, Cox said: "It's a real honour to sign for Essex, the county where I went to school and where I first developed as a cricketer.

"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."

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