Chris Jordan may not have been part of Englandâs historic World Cup win but he derived plenty of satisfaction from close friend Jofra Archerâs starring role in the gripping final in July.
Jordan was tipped for a place in Englandâs 15-man squad after gaining a head of steam during the Twenty20 portion of the West Indies tour last winter but was ultimately unable to force his way into contention.
There was no bitterness on Jordanâs part and the bond he shares with Archer â whom he has previously referred to as his âlittle brotherâ â means he lived vicariously through his fellow Sussex seamer, who held his nerve in a dramatic Super Over against New Zealand to help England to a first 50-over global title.
âIf anything I felt just as much a part of it,â said Jordan, who was in the XI four years ago when England memorably overcame the Kiwis in a match that marked a turning point in their one-day international fortunes.
âObviously I was there when we made that transition in 2015 so I was part of the build-up.
âMore than anything, when Jofra was performing the way he was performing, it felt like I was making those performances as well.
âIt was that touching, especially in the World Cup final when he bowled that awesome Super Over.
âI get on really well with the lads, Iâve created some really good friendships over the last five or six years that Iâve been in the England team so I was more than happy for the boys. It was thoroughly deserved.â
Jordan remains in the selectorsâ thoughts in T20s and he is in the squad for the five-match series against New Zealand which marks the start of Chris Silverwoodâs reign as England head coach.
More importantly, Englandâs preparations for next yearâs T20 World Cup begin in earnest over the next few weeks although Jordan insists he is not thinking that far ahead.
âObviously the World Cup is a nice, little carrot at the end of that few months but it will be one game at a time,â said Jordan.
âIf you get too far ahead of yourself, youâre not actually concentrating on whatâs in front of you on the day. You canât build those good habits and that momentum.â
Pat Brown, Lewis Gregory and Saqib Mahmood are among a number of fresh faces in Englandâs squad and add to an already crowded list of names for a fast bowling spot â although Jordan relishes the competition.
He said: âAnything that makes English cricket stronger makes the team stronger and it keeps everyone on top of their game. The more guys that we can have pushing for selection, the more headaches we can give selectors.
âWeâve added a wealth of young talent to the squad which brings in some good energy. Itâs an opportunity for everyone. Iâll have to continue to improve myself and stay on top of my game.â
Jordanâs 39 international appearances in T20s is second only to England captain Eoin Morgan among the players who will feature in the first warm-up against a New Zealand XI in Lincoln on Sunday.
The 31-year-old is unfazed by his status, adding: âYes, I might be considered a senior player with my experience but Iâm always looking to learn off any player whether theyâre old or young.
âI try to keep my standards as high as possible and try to give my all every day, whether it be in training or a game, so that wonât change.
âItâs nice (to be in the squad) but nothing thatâs taken for granted at all.â