Jordan Cox is solving England’s No.3 problem with a method neither Ollie Pope nor Jacob Bethell managed: controlled aggression that doesn’t sacrifice patience. His first innings there, 73 at Headingley, mixed attacking shots with real defence and constant strike rotation, echoing four hundreds in his first Essex season. Pope averaged just 20.83 in the last Ashes before losing the spot, and Bethell never converted his fifties into a century before a knee injury ruled him out. Cox now has two confirmed Tests to prove his approach lasts longer than theirs did.
The Long Search For A No.3 Fix
Ollie Pope has held England’s first drop more than anyone since Ben Stokes took the captaincy in 2022, and his 43.06 average there includes seven centuries. The runs have never arrived on schedule, though. He managed just 20.83 across the last Ashes before Jacob Bethell replaced him mid-series. Even that record has come with runs bunched in streaks rather than spread evenly across series.
Bethell only landed at three by accident, thrown in against New Zealand in late 2024 after Cox broke a thumb in the nets. He averaged 52 in that series and made the position his own despite a first-class average in the mid-20s and no professional century. With Bethell now out through a knee issue, Cox has been handed the same job his own injury once cost him. It was enough to make the position his for a full year before injury intervened.
England vs Pakistan Test series Jordan Cox number three
National selector Marcus North rang Cox during the Hundred to tell him the role was his and to keep batting the way he had for his county all season. Cox had debuted only in June, batting at six in a losing effort against New Zealand at The Oval, managing 27 and 25 in that match.
Promoted to first drop at Headingley, he answered immediately. He made 73 on a rain-interrupted second day, adding a 150-run third-wicket stand with Joe Root as England reached 366 for 8 in reply to Pakistan’s 171.
Player | Innings At No.3 | Average | Highest Score |
Ollie Pope (Test Career at No.3) | Since 2022 | 39.96 | 205 (Out) |
Ollie Pope (Ashes 2025-26) | 6 innings (Partial series) | 20.83 | 38 |
Jacob Bethell (NZ Series, 2024) | 5 innings (3 Tests) | 52.00 | 50 (not out) |
Jordan Cox (vs Pakistan, 2026) | 1 inning | 73.00 | 73 (Out) |
Attacking Intent Sets Him Apart From Predecessors
Where Pope’s batting has bordered on recklessness and Bethell’s stayed classically correct, the 73 stood out for controlled intent. He attacked length balls without abandoning defence and kept rotating strike rather than hunting boundaries in bursts.
It mirrored his county form: four hundreds at an average of 65.57 in his first season at Essex, plus an unbeaten 238 for Kent as a teenager. Bethell had never batted above four in first-class cricket before his Test promotion, but Cox has actually opened the batting for Kent, giving him more experience against the new ball. That habit of facing the new ball also explains why the short ball rarely troubled him during his 73.
The Elusive Hundred Keeps Slipping Away
The 73 ended in familiar fashion. He edged a delivery from spinner Usman Tariq through to wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan, then compounded the dismissal by burning a review on a clear edge.
It is the same pattern that has undone England’s last three men at first drop: Pope’s Ashes slump, Bethell’s fifties that rarely converted, and now a promising start falling in the seventies rather than going on. The hundred that would validate the position stays just out of reach. Three different players, three different technical profiles, and still the same outcome: a start that promised more than it delivered.
The Standard Selectors Want Him To Hit
England have been clear that his job is to keep playing his own game rather than adapt to the position’s cautious history. Broadcaster Stuart Broad even floated him as a future gloveman ahead of Jamie Smith after the Headingley innings, showing how fast perceptions shift on one score.
Only two Tests are currently confirmed at first drop, with Bethell waiting once he’s fit again. Repetition is what turns this England vs Pakistan Test series Jordan Cox number three story from one bright afternoon into the answer England have chased since 2022.
Has Cox finally found the temperament to end England’s No.3 merry-go-round, or will Pakistan’s bowlers expose him like they did the others? Share your verdict below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is England’s new Test No.3 batter?
Jordan Cox now holds the role, handed the job for the Pakistan series after Jacob Bethell’s knee injury. He responded with 73 in his first innings there at Headingley.
Has Jordan Cox scored a Test century yet?
Not yet, his highest score is still 73, made against Pakistan at Headingley in his first innings there. He was caught behind off Usman Tariq after wasting a review on the dismissal.
Why has England struggled to settle on a No.3?
A string of players have shown promise without consistency at the position. Ollie Pope’s average dropped to 20.83 during the last Ashes, and Bethell never turned his fifties into a century.
What is Jordan Cox’s Test batting average so far?
His average sits in the mid-40s across three innings. He made 27 and 25 batting at six before 73 at first drop lifted the number sharply.
Will Jordan Cox keep his place for the next Test?
Yes, he is set to retain the role for the second Test at Lord’s next month. Selectors have not yet confirmed the wider squad beyond that fixture.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.