What does it take to build a career in professional cricket's modern era? In this changing landscape, the days of waiting for an international call are receding. Instead, a new generation of ambitious cricketers is emerging, with a curious nature and a clear understanding of how to make the most of their athletic prime.
For example, Jordan Cox, a 23-year-old player whose England debut appears to be on the horizon, remains determined to advance his career despite this temporary setback.
In the middle of last summer, Cox made a high-profile and somewhat controversial move from Kent to Essex, a club that he believes is currently the best fit for his needs. This hardly seems like the realization of a lifelong dream.
It is not surprising that he has had a difficult winter. Despite his move to Essex, there is no doubt that he will give his all in the upcoming County Championship opener against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. This will mark Cox's fifth professional debut in the past five months.
In November, Cox started playing for the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10. During his six matches, he scored 265 runs, including two half-centuries, and had a strike-rate of 232. He even scored a ferocious 90 not out from 36 balls against the eventual finalists, Deccan Gladiators.
By the time of the final, Cox had already moved to a different continent. He played four matches for Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Big Bash League before returning to the UAE in January to play for Gulf Giants in the ILT20.
After previously experiencing the SA20 and the Lanka Premier League during the 2022-23 winter, Cox completed this year's travels by playing in the Pakistan Super League. He played six matches for Islamabad United in February and March before joining his new squad for Essex's pre-season in Abu Dhabi.
The excitement of the touring lifestyle is evident as Cox provides a glimpse into the reality of this new world. According to him, the SA20 is chaotic with full flights and a busy schedule of flying, playing games, and resting. In contrast, the ILT20 only required 40-minute bus rides between Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. Cox also mentioned that it was his first time unpacking in a franchise environment.
Regarding the PSL, during a break between matches, Cox and his teammate Alex Hales from Islamabad emulated England's recent tour of India by going to Abu Dhabi for a round of golf consisting of 99 holes. Cox explains that while some may consider this to be an unusual activity, for them it is a form of paradise.
Cox has spent the winter training alongside a number of world-class cricketers, including David Miller, Aaron Finch, Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, and Faf du Plessis. He has been both teammates and opponents with them and is eager to learn from their expertise.