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NZ vs ENG 2024: Jamie Smith Opts For Paternity Leave, Coach McCullum Confirms Replacement

Jamie Smith on course to miss a good chunk of NZ series [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x]Jamie Smith on course to miss a good chunk of NZ series [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x]

Jamie Smith has opted for a paternity leave ahead of England’s three-match Test tour of New Zealand next month. The English wicketkeeper-batter is currently plying his trade in Pakistan along with the rest of his teammates.

Smith is expecting the birth of his first child with his partner sometime in December this year, and the timeframe is set to collide with England’s three-match series in New Zealand. However, there is a likely possibility that the 24-year-old will feature in the series-opening first Test match in Christchurch.

Following the latest development, England coach Brendon McCullum has already confirmed Smith’s replacement for the series.

Coach McCullum confirms Jamie Smith’s replacement

Jamie Smith, having played eight Test matches for England since his format debut earlier this year, recently confirmed that he wants to be there with his partner for the birth of their child. Shortly after the development, head coach and New Zealand great Brendon McCullum confirmed that Jordan Cox will be serving as England wicketkeeper in Smith’s absence instead.

Coach McCullum also extended his best wishes to Jamie Smith, and claimed that the regular wicketkeeper might well feature in the series-opener in Christchurch from November 28 onwards.

England’s series in New Zealand will commence in Christchurch with the opening Test from November 28, before the action shifts to Wellington’s Basin Reserve for the second match between December 6 and 10. The final match of the series will be hosted by the Seddon Park in Hamilton between December 14 and 18.

Jordan Cox, poised to make his Test debut in New Zealand, received his maiden international cap for England last month itself for a T20I match in Southampton. The youngster played two matches in the series, and managed to score just 17 runs across both appearances.

Jamie Smith, meanwhile, will now turn up for England in their series-deciding third Test match against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The much-awaited contest will be played between October 24 and October 28.