--- title: "Jordan Cox to bat at three as England face Pakistan after Bethell injury" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/cox-bats-three-england-pakistan-xdtxt publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Sports published: 2026-08-19T10:00:45.458Z modified: 2026-08-19T12:00:06.645Z language: en-IN --- # Jordan Cox to bat at three as England face Pakistan after Bethell injury Jordan Cox will bat at number three for England in at least the first two Tests against Pakistan after Jacob Bethell's injury. He previously debuted in June and has drawn on Virat Kohli's advice as he steps into a more prominent role. ## Key takeaways - Jordan Cox will bat at number three in at least the first two Tests against Pakistan due to Jacob Bethell's injury. - Cox made his England Test debut earlier this year and previously batted at seven in a match against New Zealand. - Virat Kohli’s guidance is cited by Cox as influential for his approach in the upcoming series. ## What Happened Jordan Cox is set to bat at first drop for England in the opening two Tests of the series against Pakistan, replacing the injured Jacob Bethell. The change comes as Cox expands his responsibilities in a renewed England side following Bethell’s knee injury and Stokes’ absence in certain matches this summer. Cox made his Test debut for England earlier this year at The Oval in a match against New Zealand, batting at number seven, and now will move to number three for the start of the Pakistan series at Headingley. In preparation for this switch, Cox has drawn on guidance from Virat Kohli, whom he met during his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. He described Kohli’s advice as lasting beyond a single moment, emphasizing enjoyment of the occasion and a relaxed approach to handling pressure in the opening tests. The Pakistan series follows England’s recent white‑ball campaigns and a period in which the team rotated personnel after a suspension and other absences. Cox’s ascent to a more central batting position occurs as England seek stability in the top order amid the absence of Bethell and injuries within the squad. ## Why It Matters The move to three for Cox marks a significant elevation from his earlier England spell, where he appeared in limited-overs formats and made a notable first-class century at No. 4 for Essex. His ability to adapt to a higher‑pressure Test role could influence England’s balance in the series against Pakistan, particularly with Bethell sidelined and Stokes not part of all formats this summer. The Kohli influence is presented as a personal benchmark Cox intends to carry forward, framing his approach to batting under plan and pressure in a new lineup. ## Background Cox’s Test debut occurred in the 2024 season’s late stages after an injury to Bethell delayed a planned first appearance in a Test match. He had previously opened in county cricket and compiled a 201-ball 204 for Essex against Leicestershire in June, underscoring his capability to play long innings. The IPL connection with Kohli in India helped shape Cox’s mindset as he prepared for a broader role in England’s Test setup. The squad for the Ireland ODI series later this year is noted separately, with Charlie Dean captaining in Sciver‑Brunt’s absence, although that series is not the focus of this Test assignment against Pakistan. ## Key Facts - Jordan Cox to bat at number three for England in at least the first two Tests against Pakistan, replacing the injured Jacob Bethell. - Cox previously made his England Test debut in June, batting at seven in a New Zealand match at The Oval. - Bethell is injured, leaving an opening at the top of England’s Test batting order for the Pakistan series. - Cox has drawn on Virat Kohli’s advice, saying he will rely on that guidance during the series. - Cox has previously produced a 201-ball 204 for Essex at No. 4 in a county match against Leicestershire in June. ## What Happens Next The three-match Test series against Pakistan is set to begin at Headingley, with Cox confirmed to bat at No. 3 for at least the opening two Tests. Further updates on Bethell’s recovery and England’s selection decisions will determine if Cox remains at three beyond the initial two matches. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/cox-bats-three-england-pakistan-xdtxt Reported from: Multiple Sources