Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Jordan Cox will walk into England’s new-look Test side against Pakistan with a familiar voice in his corner. The 25-year-old batter has revealed how Virat Kohli’s advice helped him approach his Test debut and why he plans to draw on those words again as he prepares for another major opportunity.
Cox’s elevation comes after Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a knee injury. He has been told 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.
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“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 told the BBC.
Cox joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the 2026 IPL season as the franchise defended their title. Although he did not feature in a match, he spent several months around Kohli and developed a close relationship with the former India captain.
“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 FACES NEW CHALLENGE AFTER BETHELL INJURY
The Essex batter now steps into a key position following Bethell’s injury, with Ben Stokes also having retired from Test cricket. Cox has predominantly batted at No. 4 in first-class cricket, making the promotion another test of his adaptability.
His county record provides reason for optimism. 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.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
