Chris Jordan comfortable performing under pressure for England

[Mark-x]

Jordan has missed only one of England’s 28 sprint-format matches since the last T20 World Cup in 2016 while he is their second highest wicket-taker of all-time with 56 scalps at a fine average of 23.71.

England have a number of fast bowling options for the ongoing series against the Proteas, while injured pair Jofra Archer, Jordan’s close friend, and Pat Brown will doubtless come into the reckoning as the year progresses.

 

England are well stocked with fast bowlers in South Africa – and Jofra Archer, centre, is missing because of injury (Simon Galloway/PA)

However, Jordan believes the culture fostered by England means he does not feel like he is on trial for his spot as they look to complete an unprecedented limited-overs World Cup double in Australia later this year.

“One of the hallmarks of this team is that whoever is playing at the time is trying to keep their standards as high as possible,” he said.

“I don’t think that the environment has been created in such a way to feel that pressure for a playing spot. You have that in any team any way but I don’t think that is the focus at all.

 

Malan amassed only England’s second T20 century in his last international against New Zealand at Napier last November and could come in for Joe Denly, who holed out for three as Eoin Morgan’s side lost their way on Wednesday night.

Jordan, though, feels England have an extraordinary batting unit, which he finds beneficial to improving him as a bowler.

He added: “I honestly find our training sessions so beneficial because I am bowling at some of the best in the world. Literally, if you miss your mark, you go out the park.

“Equally, we have got conversations about what can work and how we can improve slower balls. A big strength of this team is our communication and our will to try to help each other get better.”