Pace pair aim to clear path for black players
JORDAN AND ARCHER’S VOW
JOFRA ARCHER and Chris Jordan have spoken of their pride at being asked to help inspire a new generation of young black cricketers as ambassadors of the ACE Programme.
The brainchild of former Surrey and England women’s cricketer Ebony Rainford- Brent, the ACE Programme is now an independent charity designed to tap into the pool of young black talent and provide a pathway into the professional game.
Archer and Jordan, both born in Barbados, are the latest in a long line of Caribbean talent who have put their bodies on the line with pride for the Three Lions, and arguably may end up being the most successful.
Archer is already a World Cup winner, while Jordan is one wicket away from being out on his own as England’s most prolific T20 bowler.
Both could yet play starring roles in more World Cup success next year.
They have promised to get involved with the odd coaching session, while a friendship with Marcus Rashford has brought home how one person can use their platform to shine a light on others.
Archer said: “It really hit me how many kids are interested in cricket the day after the World Cup final, when we had so many at the Oval with us and a huge number were young black kids from the area. “Kids tend to like football.
“We have a real responsibility to show if you work hard and chase your dreams, it can happen for you in cricket as well. What Marcus has done is show that it only takes one person to get something started.”
Jordan said: “I’m so proud to have that joint T20 wickets record and if things like that can inspire one or two young kids, that’s great.
“It is a proud moment for us to get involved as ambassadors for the ACE Programme, especially with the issue of diversity a very real and current one in the game.”
Both Jordan and Archer have helped England to a T20 series win in South Africa, but their contribution to the game may yet run far deeper.
● Visit www. aceprogramme. com for more information PROBABLE ENGLAND T20:
TEAM FOR TODAY’S THIRD Roy, Buttler ( wk), Malan, Bairstow, Stokes, Morgan ( c), S Curran, Jordan, T Curran, Archer, Rashid.