Stuart Broad has lavished commendation on the young Essex cricketer Jordan Cox, suggesting that the promising batsman could eventually take over the wicket‑keeping duties currently held by Jamie Smith. Broad’s remarks came after Cox produced a striking 73 runs off 100 deliveries in the opening Test against Pakistan at Headingley. Cox, who was drafted into the side to replace the injured Jacob Bethell, was promoted to the No 3 slot and proceeded to strike ten fours on his way to a maiden Test half‑century in only his second appearance at the highest level.
He joined three other England top‑order batsmen in reaching the fifty‑run mark, a collective effort that helped the team establish a commanding 195‑run lead over a sub‑par Pakistani attack by the close of day two. Although Bethell is expected to reclaim his No 3 position once his knee injury heals, Broad believes Cox’s innings could open the door to an alternative role in the Test XI.
"I thought he played really nicely," Broad said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast. "He’s batting at number three in his second Test, but most of his runs for Essex have come from the lower middle order, usually at four or five, where he averages around 65.
The England side currently has a vacancy at three because of Bethell’s injury, so he’s eager to seize that chance." Broad went on to acknowledge that Bethell’s return is inevitable – the young all‑rounder recently notched a century at the Sydney Cricket Ground and appears to be in fine form. "Half of his mind must be thinking, ‘Jacob’s coming back, there’s no doubt about that,’" Broad mused. "But if I keep scoring runs, maybe I could become the wicket‑keeper who bats at number seven, and that might be my ticket into the side." The former England fast bowler emphasized that selection will ultimately be decided by performance: "He’ll earn his place by the weight of his runs, by showing he’s street‑wise, battle‑hardened and ready for the fight. He displayed all those attributes today on a pitch that has started to bite and turn a little.
England will be pleased with the position they’ve put themselves in – 364 runs with a solid lead – and Cox will be thrilled with his day’s work." Broad also turned his attention to all‑rounder Dan Lawrence, who recorded his first Test fifty since 2022 after coming in at No 6. While Lawrence’s batting contribution was praised, Broad warned that his future as a true all‑rounder hinges on his bowling. "The number seven or six spot in front of Jamie Smith is up for grabs," he said. "You have Will Jacks as an option, but he’s currently unavailable.
This is the Stokes conundrum." Lawrence has taken nine wickets this season for Surrey at an average exceeding 70, a figure that does not inspire confidence for a player hoping to replace Ben Stokes. Broad argued that if Lawrence can start taking useful wickets, England could finally resolve the all‑rounder dilemma and field a quartet of genuine quicks who can be rotated throughout a series.
"He’s got a great opportunity, Dan Lawrence. He’s been in and out of the side, opened the batting at times, filled gaps, and proved to be a good team player on tour. Now this is his chance," Broad asserted.
The former bowler painted a clear picture of what England expects: "England have said, ‘Here’s your shirt, you’re batting at six, make some useful contributions with the ball. We have South Africa coming next, and then the Ashes. If you can hold up an end, you’ll cement your place.’ What an opportunity for him." In summary, Broad’s analysis suggests two parallel storylines for England’s future. First, Jordan Cox’s elegant 73‑run knock could be the catalyst that propels him into a permanent wicket‑keeping role, especially if he can adapt to the demands of batting higher up the order while also honing his glovework.
Second, Dan Lawrence stands at a crossroads where his batting prowess alone will not suffice; he must demonstrate that he can contribute meaningfully with the ball to be considered a genuine replacement for Stokes. Both players have been handed a chance to prove their worth, and the upcoming fixtures against South Africa and the Ashes will be the ultimate testing ground for their ambitions.