'Someone that I've looked up to': Jordan Cox recalls Virat Kohli's words before appearing vs Pakistan in 1st Test originally appeared on Cricket News.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Jordan Cox says Virat Kohli's advice will stay with him "forever" ahead of Pakistan Tests.
- Cox will replace injured Jacob Bethell at No. 3 for England at Headingley.
- Cox spent IPL 2026 with Kohli at RCB.
- He recalled Kohli's support after a broken thumb ruled him out in 2024.
Jordan Cox draws on Virat Kohli relationship as England call on him at No. 3
After Ben Stokes announced his retirement and Jacob Bethell suffered an injury, Jordan Cox has been assigned the No. 3 position by England in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.
The 25-year-old was slated to make his Test debut against New Zealand in 2024 but suffered a broken thumb days before the series. Cox ultimately debuted in the Test match against New Zealand at The Oval in 2026.
Cox was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026, where the team defended its title. Despite not playing any match for RCB, playing his role as a substitute fielder, he formed a bond with ex-India skipper Virat Kohli.
The duo also met in London before Cox made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June.
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What advice did Virat Kohli give to Jordan Cox?
Cox said that there were quite a few things that he asked Kohli before he began his first Test match, even though he did not disclose all the information that he was advised.
"He was saying: 'Enjoy the moment. You only get one debut. Just enjoy it and have fun'," Cox told BBC Sport.
"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 remembered Kohli telling him.
Cox used the same advice on his debut at the Oval, where he recorded scores of 27 and 25 batting at No. 7 in an England loss.
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How did Virat Kohli help Cox after his 2024 disappointment?
Cox's relationship with Kohli has also helped him cope with the disappointment of being unable to make his Test debut against New Zealand in 2024 when he was set to stand in for Jamie Smith but broke his thumb in the nets three days prior to the start of the series. That chance was afforded to Bethell.
"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 up in the morning - I don't really care'."
"Obviously he cares when he goes out on to the field of play, because 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 says 'He's a great bloke'?"
Cox eventually sought advice from Kohli and maintains that the former Indian skipper is one that he can always turn to.
"I'll keep it forever, I think," commented Cox. "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."
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What next for Jordan Cox?
Cox is presented with yet another opportunity to prove himself as part of England’s Test team, but this time with a much greater sense of responsibility on him.
Conditions will be entirely different from when he made his debut because he is filling in for a player who has been injured, is batting at No. 3 and coming into an England side in transition.
For England, there will be another reason as they have won only two of their last 10 Tests, while for Pakistan it’s the fact that they have not won a Test series in England since 1996.
But for Cox, all that matters at the moment is to savour the opportunity and make the most of it.
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