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Jordan Cox takes on No 3 role
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The gist
Jordan Cox bats at No. 3 for England against Pakistan, replacing injured Jacob Bethell.
Cox's chance to cement his Test spot in a transitional England side.
Background
Jordan Cox, a 25-year-old Essex batter, has had a difficult start to his England career, including a broken thumb that delayed his Test debut in 2024. With Jacob Bethell injured and Ben Stokes retired, Cox has been handed the No. 3 role for at least the first two Tests against Pakistan. He draws on advice from Virat Kohli, his IPL teammate at RCB, as he takes on this unfamiliar position.
How it unfolded
- 2024Cox broke his thumb days before his scheduled Test debut against New Zealand, ruling him out of the series.
- Jun 17, 2026Cox finally made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval, batting at No. 7.
- Aug 17, 2026Cox was told by selector Marcus North that he would bat at No. 3 for the first two Tests against Pakistan, replacing the injured Jacob Bethell.
- Aug 19, 2026England won the toss and bowled first against Pakistan at Headingley, with Cox batting at No. 3.
- Aug 20, 2026Cox brought swagger to the No. 3 role as England dominated Pakistan in the first Test.
Who’s saying what
- Cox
- Cox relishes the clarity of being told he has the first two Tests at No. 3, saying 'Clarity's one of the best things in sport.'
- Analysts
- Analysts note the unfamiliarity of the role, as Cox has rarely batted at No. 3 in first-class cricket, facing a tough challenge against Pakistan's new-ball bowlers.