Jordan adds pace to Sixers

CHRIS Jordan, the superstar English pace bowler who terrorised Australia at the T20 World Cup, is joining the Sydney Sixers for BBL|11.

News that fan favourite Carlos Brathwaite would not recover from shoulder surgery in time for BBL|11 prompted the Sixers to sign Jordan to a five-game contract, which begins with the tournament opener on December 5.

Jordan, 33, has represented England at all three levels of the game but is generally regarded as a T20 specialist, most recently taking six wickets from six appearances at the T20 World Cup.

He snared 3/17 and was named player of the match as England thrashed Australia in the Super 12 stage of the tournament. The game ended up being the Aussies’ only loss for the tournament.

Jordan’s 71 appearances for the national side make him the most-capped specialist bowler in English T20I history and the third most-capped English T20I player overall.

The Barbadian-born quick (pictured) is no stranger to the Big Bash, either, having previously been contracted with the Adelaide Strikers, the Perth Scorchers and the Sixers’ cross-town rival, the Sydney Thunder.

His cricket CV also boasts stints with IPL sides Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings.

Cricket NSW’s head of male cricket Michael Klinger said he was thrilled to welcome Jordan into the Sixers’ ranks.

“It’s disappointing for Carlos and the group that he has succumbed to injury but Chris is a world-class T20 cricketer and will provide the Sixers with fantastic versatility and high-quality skills in all three aspects of the game,” said Klinger.

“His death bowling and change-ups, as well as being one of the world’s best fielders, will be a huge asset for the Sixers early in the BBL.

“He is experienced in playing in the BBL and has been previously successful in this tournament.

“I know (Sixers coach) Greg Shipperd and the rest of the coaching staff are very excited to have Chris on board.”