Jordan Cox is set to bat at number three for England in the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, and the Kent batter has credited advice from Virat Kohli during IPL 2026 with shaping his mindset ahead of the challenge.
Cox came into the role after Jacob Bethell was ruled out of the series with a right knee injury sustained during England's ODI series against India. England's selectors confirmed Cox will feature in at least the opening two Tests of the series.
Cox made his Test debut in June 2026 against New Zealand at The Oval, where he batted at number seven. The promotion to number three is a considerable step up in responsibility. His first-class record at that position is limited, having batted at the position only once in the 2019 County Championship.
What did Virat Kohli tell Cox during IPL 2026?
Cox represented Royal Challengers Bangalore during IPL 2026, and it was there that he spoke with Kohli about resilience and the balance between on-field aggression and off-field character. Cox also recalled the painful moment in 2024 when he broke a finger during training on the eve of a Test in New Zealand, missing what would have been his debut.
"I had that Test cap right there, then I couldn’t get it. It felt like that was the end, as bad as that sounds. I remember talking to Virat about it. He said, ‘there are billions of people who don’t even know who I am. The sun will come in the morning’. He’s crazy on the field. When he comes off the field, he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll meet. It’s about how I can be like that. How can I be really aggressive on the field, then when I come off everyone say, ‘he’s a great bloke’. I’ll keep forever, I think. 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. I could get a pair, but that’s not the end of the world," Cox told The Independent.
How has Cox prepared alongside Joe Root for the Pakistan series?
Joe Root has returned as England Test captain for the Pakistan series, beginning his second spell as skipper. Cox played alongside Root for the Welsh Fire in The Men's Hundred, where he was able to pick the brains of the talismanic batter.
"I’ve got to know Joe on a different level. It’s weird when you come into this (England) environment being in and out all the time to get to really know people. But to get to have three-and-a-half weeks with Joe to actually pick him off when we’re batting together in the nets and actually talk about cricket and life in general has been awesome." Root added.
The series also marks a new chapter for England following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket. Marcus Trescothick is serving as interim coach, while Stephen Fleming has been confirmed as the new England head coach, set to take over in December ahead of the South Africa tour. Cox also outlined the backing he received from National Selector Marcus North.
"Marcus North called me and said, ‘don’t change the way you’ve been playing in county cricket. Go and embrace the challenge and have fun’. That’s what I’m looking to do," Cox said.