Christopher James Jordan, commonly known as Chris Jordan, is an English cricketer who has made significant contributions to the game with his skillful bowling and powerful lower-order batting. Born on October 4, 1988, in Bridgetown, Barbados, Jordan’s journey in cricket has been one of perseverance and determination.
From a young age, Jordan showed promise as a fast bowler in his home country of Barbados. He was noticed by Bill Athey, who was scouting for a cricket scholarship at Dulwich College in England. Impressed by Jordan’s talent, Athey recommended him to Surrey, and the young cricketer soon found himself in the Surrey first-team nets. At the age of 18, Jordan made his debut for Surrey in August 2007, exhibiting his immense potential.
In his debut season, Jordan showcased his prowess as a fast bowler, taking 20 wickets at an average of 24.50. However, injuries and inconsistent performances hindered his progress, and he missed the entire 2010 season due to a back problem. Despite setbacks, Jordan’s talent was undeniable, and he returned to play for Barbados, displaying his skills once again.
In 2013, Jordan joined Sussex, where he truly flourished and caught the attention of the England selectors. His performances earned him a place in the England Lions squad that year, and he also traveled with the full England ODI squad to Dublin. He made his ODI debut against Australia at the Ageas Bowl, making an immediate impact.
After his successful ODI debut, Jordan played in the games following the 2013-14 Ashes tour, establishing himself as a death specialist in T20 cricket for England. His ability to deliver fearsome yorkers and maintain a level-headed calmness under pressure made him a valuable asset to the team. Jordan’s performance in the 2016 World T20 showcased his quality, as he went for only eight runs in the 19th over of the final. However, Carlos Brathwaite’s last-gasp heroics overshadowed his impressive display.
Jordan’s international career has had its ups and downs, but his resilience and determination have kept him in contention. While he missed out on the 2019 World Cup squad, losing his spot to his close friend Jofra Archer, Jordan continued to excel on the global franchise circuit.
Besides his bowling prowess, Jordan is also known for his lower-order batting and exceptional fielding skills. He has hit crucial boundaries to bail England out of trouble on numerous occasions and is considered one of the world-class fielders in the game. His versatility makes him an asset to any team he represents.
Off the field, Jordan is a humble and grounded individual who remains dedicated to improving his game. He has played in various leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League, and continues to be a valuable contributor to English cricket.
Chris Jordan’s journey from an aspiring young cricketer in Barbados to an accomplished international player is a testament to his hard work, skill, and passion for the game. With his unwavering determination and exceptional abilities, he continues to be an integral part of England’s cricketing success.