Jordan Cox leans on Virat Kohli’s advice ahead of Pakistan Tests at Headingley

Jordan Cox will step into England’s reworked Test side against Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday and has said he is drawing on guidance from Virat Kohli as he prepares for the series. The 25-year-old batter’s selection follows an injury to Jacob Bethell and presents a continuation of his recent progress in red-ball cricket.

Cox has described how Kohli’s counsel helped him approach his Test debut and said he plans to rely on those words again for the upcoming matches. His promotion into the squad came after Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a knee injury. The series is a three-match contest against Pakistan and represents a fresh opportunity for Cox at international level.

Cox recounted the exchange, saying: "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'." He added: "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 told the BBC.

The Essex batter joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the 2026 IPL season as the franchise defended their title and spent several months around Kohli despite not featuring in a match. Cox said of the 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’s elevation comes at a time of transition for England, with Ben Stokes having retired from Test cricket as well as Bethell’s withdrawal. Predominantly a No. 4 in first-class cricket, the move up the order will test his adaptability. Since joining Essex in 2024, Cox has averaged around 68 in first-class cricket, establishing himself as one of the county’s leading batters.

Cox made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year and will now have an opportunity to build on that experience against Pakistan. 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 has been told he will bat at No. 3 in at least the first two Tests of the three-match series, beginning at Headingley on Wednesday.