JORDAN: GIVE MY PAL JOFRA TIME TO LEARN

CHRIS JORDAN wants England supporters to cool their expectations of his close friend and Sussex team-mate Jofra Archer.

Archer, 22, earned rave reviews for an all-action display in the Big Bash League for finalists Hobart Hurricanes, at the same time that England were losing the Ashes 4-0 in Australia.

Not only did Archer’s form earn him an £800,000 IPL contract with Rajasthan Royals – where he will be joined by Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler – it also got supporters yearning for the winter of 2022.

By then, he will be eligible to play for England. Jordan, though, who helped bring Archer to Sussex having spotted him in the nets in Barbados, believes patience is required.

“I just don’t want too much expectation on him,” said Jordan (above) speaking ahead of England’s second T20 match against Australia at the MCG. “At present, he’s doing a brilliant job of handling it.

“He’s still learning his game and he can make mistakes. He’s gone for a high price tag and exceeded a lot of people’s expectations the last few weeks. But he’s allowed to have a couple of off days as we all are as cricketers.”

Still, Jordan understands why so many are thrilled at the prospect of Archer (right) pulling on England colours.

“I’ve worked with him since he was 16. He was made for the big stage. His talent, his competitive nature.”

There is also the question of whether Archer will bother with international cricket given he already has franchise sides fawning over him. But the appetite is there for the global game and Test cricket, says Jordan. “He enjoys nicking someone off and bowling a massive inswinger. You only have to check his social media to see that,’’ he said.

“He enjoys the longer format. By the time he is able to play international cricket, he’ll be hardened and know his game even better. He can come on the scene and flourish straight away.”

Jordan will be 33 by the time Archer qualifies for England but is keen to carry on so he can join his Bajan buddy.

“He talks about it already,” jokes Jordan. “If that day comes, both of us would be more than happy.”