A Mentorship Born in Mumbai
There are not many young cricketers who can say they have Virat Kohli on speed dial, but Jordan Cox appears to be one of the fortunate few. The 25-year-old Essex batter has revealed that words shared by the Indian legend will stay with him throughout his career, as he readies himself for what could be a defining moment — batting at number three for England in the opening Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday.
Cox linked up with Kohli earlier this year when he joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the IPL. Although Cox did not feature in a match during the tournament, the time spent in the squad allowed him to forge a genuine connection with one of the sport's all-time greats. That relationship has clearly left a deep impression.
What Kohli Told Him
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the first Test, Cox was understandably selective about exactly what Kohli shared with him, but he was willing to offer a flavour of the conversation. The advice centred on embracing the occasion rather than being consumed by its magnitude — to enjoy the debut experience for what it is and to make those who have supported you along the way feel the effort was worthwhile.
"I'll keep it forever, I think," Cox said of the guidance. He described Kohli as someone he has long admired, adding that spending what felt like four months with him in India was a rare privilege. Crucially, the relationship has not faded since returning home. Cox made clear that Kohli remains someone he can reach out to when times are tough — always available, always willing to help.
From Nightclub Fallout to Number Three
Cox made his Test debut for England in the second match against New Zealand at The Oval in June, a game that came about in unusual circumstances. He was drafted into a heavily reshuffled side following the nightclub incident that sidelined Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Batting at number seven, Cox showed encouraging signs with scores of 27 and 25, though England went on to lose the match.
Now the landscape has changed considerably. With Stokes having since retired from Test cricket and Jacob Bethell ruled out of at least the first two matches against Pakistan due to a knee injury, Cox has been handed the number three jersey — one of the most demanding positions in the batting order. It is a significant step up, and one that will test not just his technique but his temperament.
The Case for Cox at Three
As a cricket analyst, I have watched Cox develop into a batter with real promise at county level. He has the footwork and the range of shots to thrive in Test cricket, but number three demands something extra — the ability to walk in at any moment, whether the openers have put on 150 or been dismissed without scoring. Kohli, who has occupied that very position for much of his career, is perhaps the ideal sounding board.
With England's Test series against Pakistan shaping up as a genuinely competitive contest, Cox's form early in the series could prove pivotal. Punters eyeing the outright series market would do well to monitor how he settles into the role — a confident start from him could shift the odds meaningfully in England's favour. Based on what he has said about Kohli's influence, Cox appears to be in exactly the right headspace to make the most of his opportunity.
