English wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox attracted attention during the T20 Blast by wearing Virat Kohli’s signature One8 cricket spikes. Cox used the footwear after spending the recent IPL season training and sharing a dressing room with the former India captain.
The 52nd match of the T20 Blast was played between Essex and Kent at the County Ground in Chelmsford on June 9, Tuesday. Kent captain Sam Billings won the toss and chose to bowl first. Essex went on to secure a narrow victory in the closely contested match.
Jordan Cox Spotted Wearing Virat Kohli’s One8 Shoes in T20 Blast
Jordan Cox caught the attention of commentators during Kent’s T20 Blast match against Essex when he appeared to be wearing Virat Kohli’s signature One8 cricket spikes. The broadcasters quickly noticed the footwear and joked about whether the shoes had come from Kohli.
Commentator 1: “He spent a bit of time with Virat over in the IPL. First thing he’s done is gone and put his shoes on.”
Commentator 2: “Are they his shoes? Are they Virat’s shoes?”
Commentator 1: “Must be, I mean… He says they’re very comfy.”
Commentator 2: “So they’re the same size?”
Cox was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 title-winning squad. Although he did not play any of the team’s 16 matches, he spent the season training alongside Kohli and regularly served as a substitute fielder. Kohli is ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan.
The England batter also shared the dressing room with Jacob Bethell during the campaign. While Bethell received a few opportunities in the playing XI, Cox gained valuable experience by working closely with senior players and observing their preparation, training routines, and approach to the game.
Charlie Allison’s Fifty Helps Essex Recover From Early Setbacks
Essex rebuilt their innings well after losing early wickets against a disciplined Kent bowling attack. The hosts focused on steady partnerships before accelerating in the second half of the innings to put up a competitive total.
Openers Paul Walter and Michael Pepper were dismissed for 17 and six, respectively. Jordan Cox then scored 40 off 31 balls to stabilize the innings. Charlie Allison led the recovery with a brilliant 74 off 47 deliveries, hitting three fours and six sixes.
Wiaan Mulder provided the finishing touch with a quick 29 off 11 balls. His late cameo helped Essex recover from their slow start and post 187 runs in their 20 overs.
Sam Billings’ Fightback Not Enough as Essex Hold Nerve
Kent lost early wickets in their chase but stayed in the contest thanks to an aggressive innings from captain Sam Billings. The visitors kept attacking and took the match deep despite the early damage.
Charlie Bennett struck twice at the top, dismissing Harry Finch for 13 and Daniel Bell-Drummond for two. Billings responded with a superb 68 off 38 balls, including three fours and four sixes, to keep Kent’s hopes alive.
Kent needed 17 runs from the final over. Jake Lintott and Fred Klaasen managed 14 runs, with the over producing 4, 4, 0, 1, 1, and 4. Essex eventually held on for a thrilling three-run victory.
