Jordan: Karachi will be bouncing
CHRIS JORDAN has told England stars to expect an atmosphere like no other when they play their first match in Pakistan for 17 years.
The pace bowler will watch from afar as he continues his rehabilitation from a fractured finger sustained in The Hundred.
But he said the 35,000-capacity National Stadium in Karachi will be bouncing for the first of seven T20 internationals today.
“The guys should expect a very warm welcome, the fans there will be overjoyed to see some of the stars they’ve only ever seen from a distance,” said Jordan.
“They have been very much looking forward to this day for quite some time in Pakistan. It should be loud and it should be a great atmosphere. The passion for cricket is burning deep over there.”
Jordan, who is hoping to be fit for the World Cup in Australia next month, has first-hand experience of the passion of the Pakistan crowds.
When the Pakistan Super League returned to home soil for the 2017 final, he and Dawid Malan played for Peshawar Zalmi and he has since starred in three more tournaments there.
Stressed
England’s squad for the T20 World Cup is markedly different to this 20-man squad but coach Matthew Mott and injured captain Jos Buttler have stressed that the series represents a chance for some to flag up their talent if replacements are needed for Australia.
Vice-captain Moeen Ali will lead the side and Alex Hales will return at the top of the order for the first time since 2019.
Hales has been called up to both this and the World Cup squad as replacement for the injured Jonny Bairstow.
Phil Salt will most likely open with him as well as keep wicket, while there could be outings for Ben Duckett and Harry Brook.
England expect skiddy pitches in Karachi but bouncier ones in Lahore.
Jordan is due to join the squad in Australia and, fitness allowing, is set for a senior role in the pace attack.