Jordan Cox made a remarkable return to international cricket, scoring a quickfire fifty despite a knee injury, leading England to a six-wicket victory over Ireland and securing a 2-0 series win at a sold-out Malahide on Sunday.
The 24-year-old, who had not played for England in over a year and was not initially in the squad, hit 55 off 35 deliveries at number four, helping his team chase a target of 155 with 17 balls remaining.
Cox injured his knee while taking a catch at deep midwicket, causing him to leave the field for treatment, but he returned to bat when England needed him at 33-2.
His unexpected recall to the England team followed his impressive performances in The Hundred, where he finished as the top scorer and player of the series.
How England Beat Ireland?
England
had won the first match by chasing down 197, while the second match was abandoned due to rain. Securing a 2-0 series win, 21-year-old Jacob Bethell claimed his first trophy as the country’s youngest captain in any format.
“I couldn’t have dreamed it any better. The rain was unfortunate, but to come out 2-0 winners in my first series as captain is a great feeling,” Bethell told TNT Sports. “We were nice and aggressive throughout the whole week.”
Ireland started well with Ross Adair (33) and Harry Tector (28) at the top, but collapsed against England’s spinners Adil Rashid (3-29) and Liam Dawson (2-9).
Jamie Overton also took two wickets in one over, leaving the hosts struggling at 58-4, though Gareth Delany’s cameo of 48 off 29 balls helped them reach a respectable total.
England’s chase wavered when Jos Buttler fell for a duck, but Phil Salt (29) and Cox built a 57-run partnership before Tom Banton (37 not out) guided the team to victory.
“Credit to Ireland, they bowled well defending 150-odd,” said Rashid, who was named player of the match. “You’ve got to adapt to the ground, wherever you go. I thought as a group we did that really well.”
(With inputs from Reuters)
