Chris Jordan says his on-going development as a seamer helped him win a place in England’s squads to face Ireland and Pakistan.
Jordan played the most recent of his 31 ODIs in September 2016 but is back in contention after impressing in T20 cricket in the West Indies earlier this year.
The 30-year-old was named Player of the Series after inspiring the tourists to a 3-0 whitewash, taking 2-16 and a ‘superman’ catch in the first match before helping himself to 4-6 in the second and pouching an outstanding catch in the deep in the final encounter.
“When I first started out I had only one ball, maybe two,” said the Sussex bowler.
“In the last 18 months I’ve developed a couple of slower balls which I can call on in any situation. I’m assessing conditions better too and I want to be known as an adaptable bowler, not one-dimensional.
“I performed well in the Caribbean, got a few headlines, which was nice but until the chance is there why think about it? I’m just trying to string the good days together.”
While Jordan, like Sussex team-mate Jordan Archer, was not named in England’s provisional Cricket World Cup squad, he will take part in a four-day camp in Cardiff.
He and Archer must then try to force their way into England’s World Cup plans by impressing in the one ODI and T20 against Ireland, followed by the five ODIs against Pakistan.
For now, though, Jordan is not thinking too far ahead of himself.
“Getting myself to this stage I haven’t thought about it so why start now?” he said.
“That can cloud your judgement or let bad habits creep in. It wouldn’t be right to take my mind there. The last 12 months or so I’ve made a point to just enjoy my cricket and enjoy playing.
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“Any professional sportsman who says they don’t feel pressure would be lying but I’m always looking to take the pressure off. My goal is to have fun and play with a smile.”
That smile will be broad should an Irish batsman be dismissed ‘caught Jordan, bowled Archer’ during the ODI in Malahide on May 3.
“I reckon that would be the pinnacle, if that ends up being his first wicket. It would be the highlight of my career,” he added.
“I’ve been on his journey every step of the way and it would be a really proud moment if we could play together for England. It’s hard to put it into words because he’s like my little brother.”
Watch England’s ODI against Ireland, at Malahide, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.30am on Friday, May 5.
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