Old Felstedian Jordan Cox Earns England Test Debut

There will be immense pride across the Felsted community this week as Old Felstedian Jordan Cox prepares to make his England Cricket Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval.

The Essex cricketer has been named in England’s starting XI for the Second Test, marking a significant milestone in a career that has already established him as one of the country’s most exciting young cricketers. His selection comes after a prolific start to the season, including a remarkable double century for Essex earlier this month.

For Felsted School, the independent boarding and day school set within a 90-acre countryside campus in North Essex, Cox’s selection represents a particularly significant moment. He is the first Old Felstedian to play Test cricket for England since Nick Knight’s appearance against Zimbabwe in 2001, underlining the scale of the achievement both for the player and the School’s sporting heritage. Jordan is Felsted’s 4th Test Cricketer.

Cox attended Felsted School between 2014 and 2019, developing his cricketing talent through the School’s long-established cricket programme before progressing into the professional game. Since then, he has represented England at age-group level, established himself as a leading performer for Essex and earned recognition as one of the most promising batters in the domestic game. Cox’s rise through the game saw him earn his first senior England call-up in September 2024, when he was selected for the IT20 series against Australia.

Cricket occupies a special place in Felsted’s history. The sport has been played at the School since 1805 and remains one of its flagship activities. Over the years, Felsted has produced numerous first-class and international cricketers, including former England internationals Derek Pringle, Nick Knight and John Stephenson, as well as current Surrey player, Emma Jones who most recently helped The Blaze secure a fifth win in the women’s One-Day Cup. Cricket at Felsted is led by former England cricketer Jason Gallian, whose professional career included spells with Essex, Nottinghamshire and Lancashire, alongside Essex cricketer Lissy Macleod. The School’s cricket programme is further supported by Director of Sport Charlie Knightley, a Cricket World Cup winner with England Over 50s, and Head of PE Carla Rudd, who enjoyed a successful professional career with Sussex and Southern Brave.

Charlie Knightley, Felsted Director of Sport, commented: “Jordan’s Test debut is a hugely proud moment for everyone connected with Felsted. To progress from our cricket programme to representing England is a remarkable achievement and thoroughly deserved. His journey is a wonderful example to our current pupils of what can be achieved through dedication, resilience and hard work. We wish him every success at The Oval.”

Cox’s selection adds another chapter to a sporting tradition that extends far beyond cricket. Felsted’s alumni include Olympians, international rugby players, professional golfers and elite athletes who have competed at the highest levels of their respective sports. Among recent sporting successes are England rugby international Max Malins, Scotland rugby international Rory Hutchinson and professional golfer Rebecca Earl, whose first professional title earlier this year further highlighted the strength of the School’s sporting pathways.

Jordan Cox’s journey from Felsted pupil to England Test cricketer is a powerful example of where talent, dedication and ambition can lead. His debut at The Oval will be watched with great excitement by former teachers, coaches, fellow Old Felstedians and current pupils alike.

As he takes the field in England whites for the first time, Cox not only fulfils a personal ambition but also provides inspiration for the next generation of young sportsmen and women developing their talents at Felsted. Visit Felsted to find out more about entry into the school at an Open Event: www.felsted.org/opendays.

For further information or comment, please telephone the Felsted Marketing Department on 01371 822647 or email marketing@felsted.org