Jordan Cox will bat at No 3 for England in the first two Tests against Pakistan, a role he has never filled in his professional career, but the Essex opener says the clarity from selector Marcus North has given him confidence. The 24-year-old, who made his Test debut this summer at No 7, will step up the order in the absence of the injured Jacob Bethell, starting Wednesday in Multan.
Unfamiliar Role, Clear Message
Cox, who has primarily opened for Kent in county cricket and batted at No 4 for Essex, admitted he has never batted at No 3 in first-class cricket since a single match in 2019. However, he welcomed the straightforward directive from North. "Northy didn't have to go: 'You're batting at three in these two Test matches', but he did. This is 100% – unless I get injured," Cox said. "Clarity's one of the best things in sport."
North told Cox to "do what you've been doing, don't change the way you've been playing in county cricket, go have fun and embrace the challenge." Cox added: "I don't think I've ever batted three before but I've opened for probably two years in county cricket for Kent. So look, it will be fun, I'm looking forward to it."
Form and Preparation
Cox has been in impressive form for Essex, scoring a 201-ball 204 against Leicestershire in June. He has had a few days off after his Hundred campaign with Welsh Fire ended in the group stage, allowing him to prepare for the challenge. The right-hander faces a significant test if he is called upon early against Pakistan's new-ball bowler Mohammad Abbas, known for his accuracy and movement.
England's training session on Monday at Headingley was rain-interrupted, with Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson absent after playing in Sunday's Hundred final. Both are expected to join practice on Tuesday, with a 16-man squad offering plenty of seam options. Brydon Carse, who played for Sunrisers Leeds in Friday's Eliminator, was among those bowling as he aims to play his first Test since the Ashes.
Pakistan's Selection Concerns
Pakistan are yet to decide on the fitness of captain Babar Azam, who suffered a blow to his right hand while batting in a warm-up fixture at Beckenham last week. Abbas said a decision will be made on the day of the match. "Hopefully he will be fine," said Abbas. "The medical team is looking at him. He played some balls [at training], a few throw-downs."
Abbas was more hopeful about Shan Masood, who broke a finger in the first Test against West Indies last month. Masood offers valuable experience in English conditions, having scored a century on Pakistan's last Test tour of England six years ago and made County Championship hundreds for Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
