T20 World Cup 2022: Chris Jordan England's X-factor against India?


image-laarhm36Chris Jordan (Source: Twitter)

With Mark Wood ruled out of the semi-final clash against India, death-over specialist Chris Jordan has been drafted into the squad for the big game. Wood was at the peak of his powers with the ball bowling rapid pace, whereas Jordan has been phenomenal with his slower ones.

The big question is: Can Jordan be an X-Factor for England in the semi-finals?

The answer could very well be taken from the fact that the Barbados-born is the highest wicket-taker against India from this English side. In 14 games he has played against India, Jordan has scalped 18 wickets which is the highest among the current crop of bowlers. The second on the list is 11 wickets away, who is off-spinner Moeen Ali.

Although, he averages 27. 27 but the wickets he takes in the death takes the game away from India. Jordan has been found hard to hit when he is bowling at his best. 

Looking at his strike rate, 18.1 can be really intimidating for someone who is looking to hit him through the innings.

But there's one factor that goes against him, the class of Indian big-hitters who know how to dominate any opposition. The range hitting in the death overs can be alarming from the wily pacer.

However, there's someone in the opposition camp who holds a similar trait while bowling. It is Hardik Pandya. 

While batters look to target these two, and they might leak runs at crucial stages, but no one can deny the fact that they have struck at difficult times.

For the record, Hardik has grabbed 14 wickets which is the second most for an Indian pacer against Three Lions. Guess who is number 1?

Someone who is not playing in this match. Yuzvendra Chahal. Exactly, 16 wickets in 11 innings is too good for someone to miss out. But dynamics of this contest meant someone has to give way.

Coming back to Pandya, he has been thoroughly consistent to be a wicket taking option for India.

While all the hype led us here, Jordan vs Pandya will be something that could decide the fate of this contest.


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