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Jordan Cox Credits Virat Kohli Advice as England Hand Him Number Three Role Against Pakistan

England batter Jordan Cox is preparing to take on the number three batting position in the opening Test against Pakistan at Headingley, revealing that guidance from Virat Kohli during IPL 2026 has played a major role in shaping his perspective. Cox steps into the critical top-order role following an injury to Jacob Bethell, with the team selectors confirming his place for at least the first two Tests of the series.

What Happened

Kent batter Jordan Cox earned a promotion up the order after Jacob Bethell suffered a right knee injury during England’s One-Day International series against India, ruling him out of the Pakistan series. Cox, who made his Test debut in June 2026 against New Zealand at The Oval batting at number seven, faces a steep rise in responsibility at Headingley. His previous experience at number three in first-class cricket is minimal, having occupied the position just once during the 2019 County Championship.

Reflecting on his preparations, Cox highlighted conversations he had with Virat Kohli while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore during the 2026 Indian Premier League. The discussions centered on maintaining perspective, resilience, and balancing competitive intensity on the pitch with character off it. Cox recalled how an earlier setback in 2024—when a broken finger sustained on the eve of a match in New Zealand delayed his international debut—felt devastating until Kohli offered advice on handling disappointment. According to Cox, Kohli noted that billions of people remain unaware of who he is and that life moves forward regardless, reassuring him that tough moments are not the end of the world.

Key Highlights

  • Jordan Cox will bat at number three for England in the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.
  • Cox is confirmed to play in at least the opening two matches of the Test series.
  • The opportunity arose after Jacob Bethell was sidelined due to a right knee injury sustained in an ODI series against India.
  • Cox credited advice received from Virat Kohli while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2026.
  • Joe Root has returned for his second stint as England Test captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket.
  • Marcus Trescothick is currently serving as interim coach before Stephen Fleming takes over in December ahead of the South Africa tour.
  • National Selector Marcus North encouraged Cox to retain his county cricket style and embrace the challenge.

Why This Matters

The adjustment marks a major tactical elevation for Cox, moving from number seven to the top order despite having only one prior innings at number three in first-class cricket. The series also signals broader structural changes within the England Test setup. Following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket, Joe Root has returned for his second tenure as captain, while interim coach Marcus Trescothick oversees the side prior to Stephen Fleming’s arrival in December. Cox’s preparations have also been aided by recent time spent batting alongside Root for Welsh Fire in The Men’s Hundred.

What to Watch Next

Cox is confirmed to feature in England’s top order across the first two Tests of the series against Pakistan. Beyond this series, England’s coaching structure will transition as newly confirmed head coach Stephen Fleming formally takes charge in December ahead of the upcoming tour of South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Jordan Cox batting at number three for England?

Cox was elevated to number three after Jacob Bethell was ruled out of the Pakistan Test series due to a right knee injury picked up during England’s ODI matches against India.

What did Virat Kohli tell Jordan Cox during IPL 2026?

While sharing a dressing room at Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli spoke to Cox about resilience, maintaining perspective during setbacks, and balancing on-field aggression with a warm demeanor off the pitch, reminding him that disappointments do not define everything.

Who is captaining and coaching England in the Pakistan Test series?

Joe Root has returned to lead the side as Test captain following the international retirement of Ben Stokes. Marcus Trescothick is currently serving as interim head coach until Stephen Fleming takes over in December.

Source: Crictracker