English wicketkeeper-batsman Jordan Cox turned heads by wearing Virat Kohli’s signature One8 cricket spikes during the T20 Blast. Cox used these shoes after training in the recent IPL season and sharing the dressing room with the former Indian captain.
The 52nd match of T20 Blast was played between Essex and Kent at the County Ground, Chelmsford on Tuesday, June 9. Kent captain Sam Billings won the toss and decided to bowl first. Essex won by a narrow margin in a closely contested match.
Jordan Cox seen 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 was seen wearing Virat Kohli’s signature One8 cricket spikes. The broadcasters immediately noticed the shoes and jokingly asked whether they came from Kohli.
Commentator 1: “He spent some time with Virat in the IPL. The first thing he did was go and wear his shoes.”
Commentator 2: “Are these his shoes? Are these Virat’s shoes?”
Commenter 1: “Should be, I mean… he says they’re very comfortable.”
Commenter 2: “So they’re the same size?”
Cox was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL 2026 title-winning team. Although he did not play any of the team’s 16 matches, he spent the season training with Kohli and regularly served as a substitute fielder. Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan.
The England batsman also shared the dressing room with Jacob Bethell during the campaign. While Bethel received few opportunities in the playing eleven, Cox gained valuable experience by working closely with the senior players and observing their preparation, training routines and approach to the game.
Charlie Allison’s fifty helps Essex recover from early setbacks
Essex constructed their innings well after losing early wickets against a disciplined Kent bowling attack. The hosts focused on steady partnerships before gaining momentum in the second half of the innings to post a competitive score.
Openers Paul Walter and Michael Pepper were out for 17 and six runs respectively. After this, Jordan Cox stabilized the innings by scoring 40 runs in 31 balls. Charlie Allison played a brilliant inning of 74 runs in 47 balls with the help of three fours and six sixes.
Viaan Mulder gave the final touch to the team by playing a quick inning of 29 runs in 11 balls. His late cameo helped Essex overcome their slow start and score 187 runs in their 20 overs.
Sam Billings’ fightback not enough as Essex hold nerve
Kent lost early wickets while chasing the target but remained in the contest thanks to an aggressive innings from captain Sam Billings. Despite the early loss, the visiting team continued to attack and took the match.
Charlie Bennett struck twice at the top, dismissing Harry Finch for 13 and Daniel Bell-Drummond for two. Billings scored a brilliant 68 runs in 38 balls with the help of three fours and four sixes to keep Kent’s hopes alive.
Kent needed 17 runs in the last over. Jake Lintott and Fred Klaasen scored 14 runs each, taking 4, 4, 0, 1, 1 and 4 runs in the over. Essex eventually achieved a thrilling three-run victory.