DON’T WRITE HIM JOF
Jordan backs star to bounce back from a tough winter
JOFRA ARCHER will bounce back from a disappointing winter – and show why he is one of the most special players in world cricket.
That is the view of Chris Jordan, the England T20 star who knows the Sussex star far better than most.
Archer announced his arrived on the global stage in last summer’s Ashes, taking 22 wickets for just 20.
His spell to Steve Smith in the Lord’s Test was also one of the most memorable clashes of an unforgettable international season that also saw him play a key role in England’s World Cup triumph.
But Archer did struggle in New Zealand before Christmas and played just one Test in South Africa before missing the rest of the series through injury. He was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the elbow on his return to England back in February.
It wasn’t the Ashes follow-up that the player would have wanted.
But Jordan is in no doubt he will be back – and ready to remind everyone of just what a special talent he is – when the coronavirus crisis subsides.
“I know the person and he is special,” said Jordan. “It doesn’t matter what has gone on before. When he gets 22 yards away with the ball in his hand, then he gives it everything.
“He’s a competitor, but, more importantly, he thinks a lot about his game – he studies batsmen and works them out. The scary thing is there is so much more to come from him as well.
“Every time he has a niggle or injury, he either recovers from it quickly or he finds a way of playing through it.
“If it was a case of him not being able to bowl any more, it had to be serious.
“From speaking to him, I know that he’s itching to go again. He’s training hard every day and he’s chomping at the bit. When his chance comes again, he’ll absolutely make the most of it.”
Archer and Jordan aren’t alone in hoping that cricket will bounce back.
With the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia due to start in October, time is already at a premium.
And, as England’s second leading wicket-taker in the format – with 58 wickets from 46 T20 internationals – Jordan can expect to play a full role – if and when it takes place. Particularly after he shone on England’s recent tours to New Zealand and South Africa.
“I don’t really pay too much attention to individual statistics, I didn’t even know I was the second-highest wickettaker until someone told me,” he said.
“But we’re going into the T20 World Cup in very good shape. Over the past four years, we’ve seen the white-ball team really transform and really develop into a powerhouse.
“We saw with the 50-over World Cup just how good England are and in the T20 format we have awesome players.
“We’re well led by Morgy (Eoin Morgan) – but there is so much talent right throughout that side.”