Stuart Broad has lavished commendation on the young Essex batsman Jordan Cox, suggesting the 23‑year‑old could eventually take over from Jamie Smith as England’s premier wicket‑keeper‑batsman. Cox’s performance in the first Test against Pakistan – a brisk 73 runs off 100 deliveries – caught Broad’s eye and sparked talk of a possible long‑term role for the newcomer. Cox entered the match as a stand‑in for the injured Jacob Bethell, taking the critical No.
3 slot in the batting order. In only his second Test appearance, he struck ten fours and reached his maiden half‑century, joining three other England top‑order players who also passed the fifty‑run mark. Their collective effort helped England amass a 195‑run advantage over a modest Pakistani side by the close of day two at Headingley. While Bethell is expected to reclaim his No.
3 berth once his knee recovers, Broad believes Cox’s knock could open a different pathway into the Test XI. “He played really nicely,” Broad said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast. “He’s been a mainstay for Essex, usually batting at four or five and averaging about 65. The England opportunity at four or five isn’t there at the moment, but the injury to Jacob Bethell thrust him into the No.
3 slot, and he seized it.” Broad speculated that Cox might even carve out a niche as a lower‑order wicket‑keeper‑batsman, perhaps at number seven, if he continues to pile up runs. “If I keep scoring, maybe I can be the wicket‑keeper batting at seven – that could be my place in the side,” Cox hinted. Broad added that consistency with the bat, coupled with a gritty, battle‑tested mindset, would be essential. “He showed all those attributes today on a pitch that’s started to turn a little.
England will be pleased with the position they’ve put themselves in – a 364‑run lead – and Cox will be thrilled with his contribution.” Broad also turned his attention to all‑rounder Dan Lawrence, who notched his first Test fifty since 2022 after coming in at No. 6. While Lawrence’s batting was praised, Broad stressed that his bowling must improve if he hopes to challenge Ben Stokes for the all‑rounder slot.
“The number six or seven spot in front of Jamie Smith is up for grabs,” Broad said. “Will Jacks is an option, but we still have the Stokes conundrum.
Lawrence can score useful runs, but we need to see more wickets from him.” Lawrence’s county figures this season show nine wickets at an average above 70 for Surrey. Broad argued that even a handful of crucial wickets could resolve England’s all‑rounder dilemma and allow the team to rotate four genuine quicks throughout a series. “England have said, ‘Here’s your shirt, you’re batting at six, now make an impact with the ball.’ South Africa follows Pakistan, then the Ashes. This is his chance, Dan.” Cox’s path to the international arena has not been straightforward.
He missed a scheduled debut in December 2024 after breaking a thumb in training, and Jacob Bethell subsequently leapt ahead in the pecking order. The recent innings, however, gave Cox a second bite at the cherry, and he appears determined not to squander it. “I think I let myself down a tiny bit, but you have to take 70‑odd runs in a Test,” he reflected. “I could have taken it earlier in the match, but once I hit fifty I pushed on to sixty quickly, staying disciplined ball by ball.” He added that his county mindset – breaking down a target into manageable chunks – guided his approach at Headingley.
“You work out the runs you need, then you chase them step by step. I kept reminding myself ‘you’ve worked hard, don’t waste this chance.’” Cox also noted a collective sense among the England side that more could have been extracted from the day’s batting. “Every player wants a Test hundred.
Four of us made fifties, so one of us could have gone on to a hundred,” he said. “Instead of stopping at a hundred, we should aim for 150, 160, 170 – that would put us in an even stronger position.” He admitted he was not yet satisfied. “I’m not happy yet.
If we can add another fifty, we’ll have more work to do with the ball.” Looking ahead, England will aim to extend their lead in the third Test at Headingley, with the series against Pakistan still in its early stages. Broad’s endorsement of Cox and Lawrence signals a potential reshuffle in England’s middle order and all‑rounder options, especially as injuries and form fluctuations continue to shape selection. The broader context of the series also matters. Pakistan, after a lackluster first innings, must mount a substantial comeback to stay competitive.
Their bowlers will need to exploit any turn on the Headingley surface, while England’s batsmen will look to build on the platform set by the opening partnership and the subsequent half‑centuries. In summary, Stuart Broad’s analysis highlights two emerging talents: Jordan Cox, whose aggressive yet composed knock at No. 3 suggests he could evolve into a reliable wicket‑keeper‑batsman, and Dan Lawrence, whose batting resurgence must be matched by wicket‑taking to cement an all‑rounder role. Both players have a clear roadmap – maintain consistency, seize every opportunity, and deliver when the team needs it most.
Their performances in the remaining Tests will determine whether they can translate promise into long‑term England credentials.