Jordan Cox leans on Virat Kohli’s advice ahead of Pakistan Tests at Headingley
Jordan Cox will walk into England’s new-look Test side at Headingley on Wednesday when the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan begins. The 25-year-old said he drew on advice from Virat Kohli during his Test-debut preparations and plans to call on that guidance again.
Cox’s elevation followed Jacob Bethell being ruled out with a knee injury, and he has been told he will bat at No. 3 in at least the first two Tests of the series. He has predominantly batted at No. 4 in first-class cricket, and since joining Essex in 2024 Cox has averaged around 68 in first-class matches.
On the counsel he received from Kohli, Cox told the BBC: "I probably don't want to share all of them, but I just wanted to ask him a few questions. He was saying: 'Enjoy the moment. You only get one debut. Just enjoy it and have fun'. "Family and friends, everything they have worked hard for, every time they have come to a game to support you, show them something why they have done all that sacrifice for you.”
Cox spent time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the 2026 IPL season as the franchise defended their title, though he did not feature in a match. He said the months around Kohli forged a close relationship: "I'll keep it forever, I think. He's someone that I've looked up to and I've managed to spend what felt like four months with him in India. He's someone that I'll text if I'm ever feeling down or need a bit of help. He's always at the end of the phone,” Cox added.
Cox made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year and will now have a chance to build on that experience against Pakistan. With Ben Stokes also having retired from Test cricket, the promotion to No. 3 represents another test of his adaptability at the international level.
With England beginning a new phase, his performance could have a significant bearing on whether he becomes a long-term part of their Test plans. He will bat at No. 3 in at least the first two Tests of the three-match series against Pakistan, beginning at Headingley on Wednesday.
