2 weeks Ago
Chris Jordan, the England cricketer, 36, who made a name for himself as a fast bowler after moving from Barbados, and who lives in Hove, reveals why he’s obsessed with yoga, the sound of seagulls and his dog Griff He spoke to Karen Pasquali Jones from The Argus's sister title Sussex Life . Favourite memory? I grew up in the West Indies, in Barbados, but I ended up playing for England [his maternal grandparents are British citizens]. In my first ever game, I managed to get man of the match and perform really well, and I just remember that feeling - I scored 30 off nine balls, I got three wickets and I took a catch right in front of the grandstand, in front of my family.
It was in 2014 and it was the West Indies versus England at the Kensington Oval. Chris loves to get up early to 'get on with the day' and chilling at dusk Favourite thing to do on a day off locally? Even on a day off, I'll do some kind of workout early in the morning. I’ll do yoga at home and then take my dog Griff, a French bulldog, for a walk and probably go down to a café, sit out there and have a late breakfast.
Then I’ll just stroll back home, take him to a park, or to the sea front. He might dip his feet in the water if it's hot enough. Then I'll put down my phone and just relax.
Favourite thing about yourself? My humility. Favourite thing about your work/career? The fact that I can do something that I really love and make a living doing it. I get to see different cultures and countries and really continue to open up my mind to the possibilities in life.
Favourite saying? It is what it is. Favourite thing you've ever heard/read about yourself to do with work? He always plays with a smile. Favourite smell? Coconut oil and I use Cocoa butter cream or Shea butter.
Favourite site in Sussex? Looking over the downs towards Devil’s Dyke, looking inland . Favourite food? Caribbean food. Sunday lunch at home in Barbados, some steamed or baked fish, baked chicken, macaroni pie, homemade coleslaw, homemade potato salad.
.. Favourite drink? Fresh guava juice.
Life in the fast line - at Silverstone Favourite cricket hero growing up? I used to like to see Brian Lara play. He's not a bowler, he's a batsman. But he's just amazing, he’s one of the best, if not the best.
He's actually from Trinidad. Favourite cricket ground in Sussex, and in the world? I have good memories of Horsham and Arundel. From Arundel obviously the castle is there so it’s a nice backdrop, very picturesque, In Horsham we won quite a few games there when I was playing for Sussex, but quickly as well.
I always remember them being very short games, finished within two days. Favourite cricket ground in the world? The Kensington Oval in Barbados and the Oval in London. At the Oval I got my best test match figures there against India.
I got a seven-for and we won the game. And currently, I captain the T20 team, so that's a real honour as well. Every time I lead the team out there, it feels special.
Favourite wicket you ever got? Either A B de Villiers, Virat Kohli or Chris Gale. I got him out in St. Lucia, and for me he's the greatest ever T20 player, just with the number of hundreds, so when I got his wicket, that was a good one, and he’s a friend of mine as well.
.. Favourite thing about Sussex? It's peaceful.
You know you're in Sussex when you hear the seagulls. Favourite decision you ever made? When I accepted a scholarship to Dulwich College. It led on to so many other things.
I was 16 and came over to England on my own. My family are in Barbados. Favourite place at home? On the sofa with Griff – he’ll be somewhere near my feet.
Favourite thing you ever bought or spent money on? Yoga mat. I do yoga most days. Least favourite thing? Not eating as healthy as I can be.
Favourite time of day? Sunrise. I go to bed earlyish and I get up about 5.30/6.
00am. I like to get on with the day. Favourite Sussex restaurant? Tropical Sushi on Western Road, in Hove.
Favourite book/author? The Secret by Rhonda Byrne..
