Jordan Cox Turns to Virat Kohli for Advice Ahead of England Test Role

Key Points

• Jordan Cox reveals that Virat Kohli’s words will remain with him forever as he gears up for England to play a Test series against Pakistan.
• Cox should be at number three for England in the first two Tests in Yorkshire and also on the tour in the third Test at the W[AFI]C.
• Kohli was in the company of the England batter when he played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League.
• Kohli urged Cox to make the most of the opportunity, appreciate the support of the family and friends and not let a setback deter them.
• Cox has not featured in a Test match since breaking his thumb days before he was to play for England.
• Jacob Bethell’s injury has created a space in England’s number one.
• Cox’s Test debut came in June, when he came into the game at number seven for New Zealand.
• A new era is about to arrive in England’s Test cricket with Ben Stokes’ retirement and Brendon McCullum’s recent dismissal as head coach.
• Joe Root is to lead England, while Marcus Trescothick will be interim head coach until Stephen Fleming is in charge.
• During his time with Welsh Fire, Cox also had a chance to gain experience with Root in The Hundred.
• England had to hold off on announcing their team for the XI as some had played in The Hundred final at Lord’s.
• Marcus North, the national selector, instructed Cox not to alter his county cricket style and to take the challenge head-on, Cox says.

Headingley (Britain Today News) August 17, 2026: Jordan Cox says the guidance he received from Virat Kohli during their time together at Royal Challengers Bengaluru has helped him prepare for a demanding new phase of his England career.

Cox is expected to move into England’s number-three position when the team begin their Test series against Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday. The opportunity has emerged after Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a knee injury, leaving England to reshuffle their batting order.

As reported by BBC Sport, Cox said Kohli advised him to enjoy the moment and recognise the significance of making his Test debut. Cox explained that he had asked the former India captain several questions before his first Test appearance.

“I probably don’t want to disclose all the details, but I had a few questions for him.”

Cox told BBC Sport.

“He mentioned: ‘Savour the moment. You only have one debut. Just enjoy it and have fun.’”

According to Cox, Kohli also reminded him that a cricketer’s journey is supported by many people away from the field. The advice included a message about family and friends, and the sacrifices made by those closest to a player.

“He emphasised the importance of family and friends, reminding me to demonstrate to them why their sacrifices have mattered,”

Cox said.

That message has particular importance for Cox, whose route into Test cricket has included injury, disappointment and a delayed opportunity. The 25-year-old was previously close to making his England debut, only to suffer an injury that forced him to wait longer.

Why was Cox’s Test debut delayed?

Cox had been in contention for a Test opportunity in 2024, but injury prevented him from taking his place in England’s side. The setback allowed Bethell to move ahead of him in the selection order and establish himself within England’s international set-up.

BBC Sport reported that Cox was only three days away from his anticipated Test debut against New Zealand when he suffered a broken thumb during training. The injury ruled him out of the entire series and created another period of uncertainty for the batter.

“I was just three days away from my first Test when I got injured, which was unfortunate, a freak accident.”

Cox said.

He admitted that the disappointment affected his confidence and made him question whether the opportunity would return.

“I definitely had thoughts like ‘I might never play again’,”

Cox said.

“I had that Test cap so close, and then it slipped away. It felt like the end, as disappointing as that sounds.”

Cox eventually made his Test debut in June against New Zealand. He batted at number seven and showed enough promise to remain in England’s plans, although England lost the match.

His first appearance came after a meeting with Kohli in London. The pair had developed a relationship while Cox was with Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the IPL, and Kohli was able to offer perspective before Cox entered international cricket.

What was Kohli’s message after Cox’s setback?

Cox recalled asking Kohli about the disappointment of losing a Test opportunity through injury. The former India captain responded by placing the setback in a wider perspective.

“There are billions of people who don’t even know who I am,”

Kohli told Cox, according to the batter’s account to BBC Sport.

“The sun will rise tomorrow — I don’t really care.”

The comment was not intended to dismiss Cox’s disappointment. Instead, it encouraged him to understand that a sporting setback, even one as painful as a missed Test debut, does not define a player’s entire life or career.

Cox said Kohli’s personality made the advice particularly memorable. He described Kohli as fiercely competitive during matches but warm and approachable away from the field.

“He’s crazy on the field,”

Cox said.

“When he comes off the field, he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll meet.”

Cox believes that balance is something he can learn from Kohli as he attempts to establish himself in Test cricket.

“It’s about how I can embody that,”

Cox said.

“How can I be fiercely aggressive on the pitch and still have everyone say, ‘He’s a great guy’ when I step off?”

Why is Cox moving to number three?

Cox has been selected for a more prominent role because Bethell is unavailable with a knee injury. England are expected to use him at number three for at least the first two Tests against Pakistan.

The position will test Cox’s technique and temperament. Batting at first drop often requires a player to face the new ball if an opener departs early, while also having to build an innings against pressure from the opposition’s leading bowlers.

Cox has limited experience at number three. His only previous county appearance in that position came for Essex against Nottinghamshire in the 2019 County Championship. He scored 22 and 20 in that match, and both innings ended with his dismissal by India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

Although those innings came several years ago, Cox’s broader career has included experience in different batting positions. He bats at number four for Essex and spent much of his development opening for Kent.

That range of experience has helped him become comfortable adapting to changing demands. However, the move to number three represents a significant chance to demonstrate that he can operate in England’s top order.

Cox has welcomed the challenge rather than presenting the role as a burden.

How has Joe Root helped Cox?

Cox spent the recent weeks playing for Welsh Fire in The Hundred, where he had the chance to work closely with Joe Root. Root will return as England’s Test captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement.

The time with Welsh Fire allowed Cox and Root to develop a closer relationship away from the formal environment of the England squad. Cox said the experience helped him understand Root not only as a senior international batter but also as a teammate.

“I’ve got to know Joe on a different level,”

Cox said.

Cox explained that players can sometimes struggle to build personal relationships when they move in and out of international squads. His time with Welsh Fire gave him a longer period alongside Root and created more opportunities to discuss batting and life away from cricket.

“It’s weird when you come into this England environment being in and out all the time to get to really know people,”

Cox said.

“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’s experience will be especially valuable as England enter a period of transition. The former captain has returned to the leadership role, while England adjust to a new coaching structure and a reshaped batting order.

What did Cox learn at Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

Cox joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the IPL but did not play in a match during the competition. Despite remaining outside the playing XI, he spent considerable time around a high-level squad and was able to learn from experienced international players.

His conversations with Kohli were a major part of that experience. Cox has said that Kohli was willing to share extensive knowledge, including technical advice and insight into the mental demands of elite cricket.

“He will give you every single bit of information he has in his brain to try and help you, which for me was something that I didn’t expect.”

Cox previously said, as reported by ESPNcricinfo and cited in wider coverage of his IPL experience.

The opportunity came at an important stage of Cox’s career. Test cricket remains his principal ambition, and his time in India exposed him to players accustomed to performing under intense public and sporting pressure.

“The IPL’s the marquee competition in the world.”

Cox said during his time with RCB.

“Test cricket’s the biggest thing, and I really want to give it a good crack.”

He added that being part of an IPL team had been a dream and that the standard of the players around him offered a valuable education, even without a match appearance.

What did Marcus North tell Cox?

Cox said national selector Marcus North gave him a straightforward message after confirming his England opportunity.

“Don’t change the way you’ve been playing in county cricket.”

North told him, according to Cox’s account.

North also encouraged the batter to approach the challenge positively rather than becoming overly concerned about the significance of the occasion.

“Go and embrace the challenge and have fun.”

North said.

Cox’s response reflected his willingness to attack the opportunity.

Asked about his first thought when he was called up, he said:

“This will be fun!”

The comment captures the mindset England will hope to see from him. Cox is not being asked to imitate another batter or radically alter his method. Instead, he has been encouraged to trust the approach that has helped him progress through county cricket and earn a place in the international squad.

What has changed in England’s Test team?

Cox’s promotion comes as England begin a new chapter in Test cricket. Ben Stokes has retired from the format, while Brendon McCullum has left his position as head coach.

BBC Sport reported that Stephen Fleming has been appointed as McCullum’s successor but will not begin the role until the winter. Marcus Trescothick is therefore serving as interim coach during the transition.

Root’s return as captain adds another significant change. He previously led England until 2022 and now takes charge of a team that is adjusting to new leadership, a revised coaching arrangement and changes to the batting order.

Dan Lawrence has been recalled to bat at number six and provide an off-spin option. England are also considering a pace-heavy attack, particularly because rain is forecast in Leeds during the week.

The team’s combination has not been confirmed at the time of writing. England traditionally announced their XI two days before a Test under Stokes and McCullum, but that practice was not followed on Monday.

Why has England delayed announcing the team?

Several England players arrived in Yorkshire after taking part in the Hundred final at Lord’s on Sunday. Opener Ben Duckett and fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson were among those involved in the showpiece match and did not take part in the early training session.

Their delayed arrival contributed to England waiting before confirming the side for the first Test. The team also had to assess the condition and availability of its seamers before naming the final XI.

Ollie Robinson did train after missing some previous involvement because his partner gave birth to their daughter last week. Jofra Archer is also among the pace options available to England.

The likely attack could include four frontline fast bowlers, depending on the conditions and the balance England choose. The expected weather in Leeds may influence whether the hosts favour additional pace or select a more balanced combination.

How important is the Pakistan series for Cox?

The three-match series represents a significant opportunity for Cox to secure a permanent place in England’s Test plans. He has already experienced the relief of making his debut, but the move to number three will demand greater responsibility.

His first task will be to adapt quickly. Pakistan’s bowlers are expected to test England’s top order with movement, pace and discipline, while the match situation could require Cox to defend for long periods or score quickly after an early wicket.

Cox’s recent experience has given him exposure to different formats and environments. His time with Essex, Kent, Welsh Fire and RCB has placed him alongside players with varied approaches to batting and preparation.

England also needs improved results against Pakistan. Reuters reported that England had won only two of their previous ten Tests against Pakistan, highlighting the challenge facing Root’s team.

Pakistan’s preparations have also been affected by fitness concerns surrounding captain Babar Azam and batter Shan Masood. Both players have been dealing with hand and finger injuries, respectively, according to BBC Sport’s report.
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Can Kohli’s advice help Cox succeed?

Cox’s immediate goal is to remain focused on the match rather than allowing the pressure surrounding his promotion to dominate his thinking. Kohli’s advice gives him a simple framework: enjoy the opportunity, value the people who helped him reach it and maintain perspective when cricket becomes difficult.

“I think I’ll hold onto it forever.”

Cox said of Kohli’s guidance.

The batter also made clear that Kohli remains someone he can contact when he needs advice or support.

“He’s someone I’ve admired, and I spent what felt like months with him in India.”

Cox said.

“I know I can reach out to him if I’m ever feeling down or need guidance; he’s always just a message away.”

Cox now has the chance to put that advice into practice. A place at number three, a new captain, a changing coaching structure and a strong Pakistan attack will create a demanding test of his character.

For England, the hope is that Cox can combine his natural aggression with the calm perspective Kohli encouraged. For Cox, the challenge is clear: play his own game, enjoy the opportunity and show that the long wait for Test cricket has strengthened rather than weakened his ambition.

What happens next for Jordan Cox?

England are due to begin their Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday. Cox is expected to bat at number three, although England’s final XI remains subject to confirmation.

His selection for the first two Tests gives him a defined period in which to demonstrate his ability in the top order. If he performs consistently, he could become an important part of England’s post-Stokes batting line-up.

The circumstances surrounding his opportunity are unusual. Bethell’s injury has created the opening, while changes in England’s captaincy and coaching arrangements have added wider significance to the series.

Cox, however, appears determined to treat the moment as an opportunity rather than a consequence of events beyond his control. His message is consistent with North’s instruction and Kohli’s advice: do not abandon the method that brought him to international cricket.

For now, England’s new number three will attempt to turn painful memories of a missed debut into a strong beginning at the top of the order.