Worcestershire County Cricket Club has awarded a benefit to long-serving keeper-batter Ben Cox for the 2023 season.
Cox made his senior debut for Worcestershire in 2009 when he was taken out of school to play against Somerset at Taunton as a 17-year-old.
He scored 61 in the first innings, and amongst his victims behind the stumps was England opener Marcus Trescothick.
Cox has become one of the country’s most accomplished keepers and earned praise from his cricketing hero in former England keeper James Foster.
This summer, Cox reached the 600 mark in dismissals across all formats in his career.
Cox also has chipped in with priceless runs in the middle order with 5,344 in first-class cricket, including a career-best 124 versus Gloucestershire at Cheltenham in 2017 and 1624 in List A.
But the career highlight came in the Vitality Blast when Cox won the man of the match awards against Lancashire and Sussex, with his scores of 55 not out and 46 not out helping the Rapids to lift the trophy for the first time.
Cox has captained the Vitality Blast side during spells over the past few seasons.
He also scored an unbeaten century when he skippered Worcestershire in the LV=Insurance County Championship against Leicestershire at Grace Road at the start of the 2019 season.
Ben Cox said: “I am hugely proud, and it is a huge honour to be awarded a benefit by the club for 2023 and to follow on from people like Vikram (Solanki) and Daryl (Mitchell) who have had them during my time with Worcestershire.
“Even from the time of my first professional contract at the age of 17, I never thought I’d have the career I’ve had and go on to be awarded a benefit.
“It’s a big moment for myself and the family, and in a roundabout way, it’s a big thank you to them.
“I’ve been playing for Worcestershire since I was a nine-year-old, and my mum and dad have been so supportive, ferrying me about to training and matches for many years and always there for me.
“My dad even moved us closer to Worcestershire to live to help me with becoming a sportsman.”
Cox added: “Without a doubt, 2018 stands out, and two man of the matches on finals day is pretty crazy even looking back now on what was a great day for the club.
“But there were many other highlights, gaining promotion in 2014 and then again going up as Division Two champions in Joe’s (Leach’s) first season as captain in 2017.
“It’s a great club, and the members have always been very supportive throughout my career, and I thank everyone at the club for their backing and help over the years.”
Worcestershire Club Chair Fanos Hira said: “Congratulations to Ben on being awarded a benefit, and it is a testament to his career and contributions to Worcestershire over many seasons.
“Without a doubt, he has shown himself to be one of the best keepers in the country, and what happened on finals day in 2018 at Edgbaston will never be forgotten.”
**If anyone is interested in hosting an event, cricket match, golf day etc. please email info@bencoxbenefityear.com.
