Chris Jordan explains why he is 'addicted' to bowling at the death, with the England star making his pitch for key T20 role ahead of World Cup defence

England are set to defend their T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USABowling at the death is a difficult role but Chris Jordan is adamant he loves itThe experienced seamer could have a key part to play if England are to triumph 

It is a job that turns you into a hero or a zero, but England’s Chris Jordan says he cannot get enough of the jeopardy of bowling at the death of a limited-overs innings.

‘I still very much enjoy it. It’s like an addiction, because the prospect of coming out on the right end of it keeps me going back for it every time,’ Jordan tells Mail Sport.

‘That’s my mindset, really, because it’s a real top feeling when you win a game for your team — it does a lot for your confidence.’

Jordan will therefore be putting his hand up to reprise the role at next month’s Twenty20 World Cup, after experiencing polarised emotions at the previous two.

Surrey’s white-ball captain travels to the Caribbean as a world champion, having played his part in shutting down Pakistan’s middle order in the final in Melbourne 18 months ago, taking wickets in the 18th and 20th overs to finish with figures of two for 27.

Chris Jordan is often tasked with the role of bowling at the death, one of the most difficult jobs in T20 cricket

But the fast bowler says it is a role he relishes and one he has become addicted to

Only Adil Rashid (pictured) has taken more T20 wickets for England

Only Adil Rashid has bettered his 96 T20 wickets during a 10-year international career, yet he owes his place in the squad that warms up for the tournament with a four-match series against Pakistan to his batting.

When Ben Stokes withdrew, the selectors focused on identifying a seam bowling option known for powerful ball striking at the back end of the innings and, with Jamie Overton nursing a sore back, the 15th and final place went to Jordan.

‘I’ve always viewed myself as an all- rounder but on average, when you are batting at seven and eight, you are not facing more than seven to eight deliveries,’ Jordan says. ‘You’re not going to be scoring the headline 50 or 100, but there are other ways to have an impact and you have to assess how to be as effective as possible, because sometimes you walk in with someone on 60 at the other end and it’s your job to rotate the strike.

‘On other days, the team might be in a world of trouble, it’s a decent enough wicket and 150 will not be enough, so that dictates you take a few more risks.

‘One thing I have developed in the past couple of years is that clarity of the time to “go” and not holding back when it is time, fully committing to shots and giving it everything when trying to clear the ropes.’

Jordan was not chosen for England’s away series against West Indies last December, but the major take home from the trip was the value of six- hitting — the two teams shared 120 across the five matches.

England are looking to defend the T20 World Cup they won in 2022, and may rely on Jordan

‘The game might come down to two or three balls,’ Jordan agrees, ‘so no matter how you’ve gone in your spell previously, it’ll be so important to remain in the present and understand that two or three of your best deliveries can change the game.

‘That’s how fine a margin the game is becoming.’

Jordan’s recall also opens up the possibility of him lining up for England in a World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, a stone’s throw from where he grew up.

‘If I could end up in a moment like that it’d be unbelievable,’ he says. ‘First and foremost, it means we’ll have gone a long way towards defending our title.

‘Secondly, it’s the culture I grew up in and a lot of my family and friends, who otherwise would not be able to travel or watch me play international cricket, will be there.’

Jordan's team-mate Jofra Archer (pictured) has worked his way back from injury and Jordan is hopeful he can make an impact at the World Cup

So too, fingers crossed, will be Jofra Archer, Jordan’s fellow Barbados-born fast bowler and close friend, who will play his first professional match in over a year against the Pakistanis this week.

‘He’s worked so hard to get to this point and he’s really chomping at the bit, but I just want him to keep taking things a day at a time and not really put too much pressure on,’ Jordan reflects.

‘Watching him operate you wouldn’t think he was out for that long. Like anyone, he needs games and hopefully he’ll get them over and really hit his stride at the right time, peaking into the World Cup.’