Oliver Benjamin Cox, more commonly known as Ben Cox, is a remarkable talent in English county cricket, notably playing for Worcestershire. Gaining a passion for cricket at a young age, Ben has dedicated a significant portion of his cricketing career to Worcestershire, showcasing his skills as a right-handed batsman and a wicketkeeper.
Ben’s journey with Worcestershire began early, playing at the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 levels. His initial cricketing days did not see him behind the stumps, but his transition into wicket-keeping turned out to be a masterstroke. In July 2009, during a game against Somerset U-17s, Ben displayed his leadership and batting prowess by captaining the side and scoring a commendable century.
His talent quickly propelled him into the senior team, and at just 17, Ben made his first-class debut in a County Championship match against Somerset at Taunton in 2009. He left a lasting impression, scoring 61 runs and sharing a century partnership with Daryl Mitchell. Ben also marked his debut with a notable dismissal, stumping the experienced Marcus Trescothick off Moeen Ali’s bowling. This performance earned him a four-year contract with Worcestershire, solidifying his place in the team.
Despite his early debut, Ben truly established himself as Worcestershire’s first-choice wicket-keeper in 2014, at the age of 22. That season, he scored his maiden first-class century against Essex, earning high praise from former England wicket-keeper James Foster. Foster described Ben as "...one of the best young keepers I have ever seen," highlighting his rapid development and potential.
Ben’s contribution was pivotal in Worcestershire’s success in the 2018 Vitality Blast, where they clinched their first T20 Blast trophy. He played match-winning innings in both the Semi-Final and the final, earning the Player of the Match award in both games—a remarkable achievement.
In December 2018, Ben expanded his cricketing horizons, signing with the Otago cricket team to participate in the 2018–19 Super Smash T20 tournament in New Zealand, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
By 2021, Ben’s leadership skills were once again in the spotlight as he was appointed captain for the Vitality Blast Campaign in the absence of Moeen Ali. His journey from a young prodigy to a seasoned professional and leader reflects his dedication, skill, and invaluable contribution to Worcestershire and English cricket.
