Jordan Cox is poised to make his debut at number three for England in the first Test against Pakistan, which begins on Wednesday at Headingley. Cox believes his time with Virat Kohli at the Indian Premier League has helped prepare him for Test cricket.
Cox, who missed the early part of the season at Essex, warmed the bench at Royal Challengers Bengaluru but received counsel from his team-mate Kohli. He was on the verge of a Test debut in 2024 before an injury, but Jacob Bethell's recent right knee injury has opened up a top-order spot.
Cox made his Test bow in June against New Zealand at number seven. He has been assured he will play at least the first two Tests against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam is a doubt for the Headingley match after injuring a finger on his right hand during a series-levelling win against the West Indies and being struck on the same hand in a warm-up match.
Babar Azam batted briefly in the nets on Monday but continues to be monitored. England delayed their XI announcement, customary under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, as three players involved in The Hundred final arrived in Yorkshire on Monday without taking part in practice.