England youngster reveals Virat Kohli’s lasting impact: ‘He’s always at the end of phone’

The English youngster recalled the advice Kohli gave him during their time together, particularly as the youngster prepared to make his international debut. While he chose not to reveal everything they discussed, Cox said the Indian great urged him to embrace the occasion rather than get weighed down by the pressure surrounding it.

"I probably don't want to share all of them, but I just wanted to ask him a few questions. He was saying: 'Enjoy the moment. You only get one debut. Just enjoy it and have fun'," Cox told BBC Sport.

Kohli also reminded Cox of the sacrifices made by his family and friends, urging him to make the most of the opportunity and give them something to be proud of.

“Family and friends, everything they have worked hard for, every time they have come to a game to support you, show them something why they have done all that sacrifice for you,” he added.

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With Jacob Bethell ruled out with a knee injury, Cox is set to move up to No. 3 for at least the opening two Tests of England’s three-match series against Pakistan. The youngster will once again look to lean on the guidance he received from Kohli as he takes on the responsibility.

"I'll keep it forever, I think," said Cox. "He's someone that I've looked up to and I've managed to spend what felt like four months with him in India. He's someone that I'll text if I'm ever feeling down or need a bit of help. He's always at the end of the phone," he added.

"I was three days away from playing my first Test and then got injured, which was just unlucky, a freak incident," said Cox. "There were definitely thoughts of 'I'm never going to play again'. I had that Test cap right there, then I couldn't get it. It felt like that was the end, as bad as that sounds. I remember talking to Virat about it. He said: 'There are billions of people who don't even know who I am. The sun will come up in the morning - I don't really care'.

"Obviously he cares when he goes out on to the field of play, because he's crazy on the field. When he comes off the field, he's one of the nicest guys you'll meet. It's about how I can be like that. How can I be really aggressive on the field, then when I come off everyone says 'He's a great bloke'?" he added.

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