Jordan aggression speaks louder than words

Chris Jordan loves nothing more than hurling down a few bouncers, but is less bothered about hurling a few words at the batsmen along with them.

He would prefer the more silent-assassin type role and it certainly worked a treat at Old Trafford as he bagged 5 for 29 to inspire England to a 10-wicket win as they bundled out Sri Lanka for 67. Jordan's figures were the best by an England bowler at Old Trafford and the best for England since Chris Woakes' 6 for 45 against Australia in 2011.

In Durham, Sri Lanka appeared to try and ruffle Jordan with a few words and again at Old Trafford there were a couple of occasions when the experienced Mahela Jayawardene appeared to try to engage him. The most the Sri Lankans got back was a stare, and maybe another bouncer. Jordan sounded quite hopeful they would continue.

"That kind of stuff doesn't faze me," he said. "If anything it gets me going a little bit more. I try to leave as much as I can on the field if not everything. I've always been quite an aggressive performer. Too much talking may distract me from my task, so I try to keep my eye on the prize. When you cross that line you are playing international cricket so you try to play as hard as possible."

After having injury problems earlier in his career, Jordan is now renowned for how he keeps himself in shape and gained a glowing appraisal from David Saker, the fast bowling coach.

"He's just an ultimate professional," Saker told Sky Sports. "The way he prepares for every game, the way he looks after himself, he's the ultimate professional. He's fantastic to work with, he always wants to get better and he is getting better every game. He's just been fantastic."

England appear to be pushing Jordan into the role of an impact bowler, utilising the pace which has discomforted some of Sri Lanka's batsman, and he is keen to continue to make full use of the short balls available to him.

"That's something we spoke about so hopefully we can continue throughout the series. I want to be able to hit teams hard and use the short ball wisely because you are allowed two in an over. So with the extra man inside the circle I'm sure if the guys can get it up there they will try their best to use all two."

It was a simple decision for Man of the Match, as it was at The Oval when he played a central role in England's victory at the start of the series. On that occasion it was his innings of 38 off 13 balls that played as much a part as his bowling, but today there was little chance of his batting being needed.

England are expected to name their squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka a week on Thursday and only injury will prevent Jordan's name being it. He was a strong favourite based on his Championship form for Sussex before this series but, even having backed that up, he refuses to let his mind wander.

"Today I was concentrating on Old Trafford, now that is done we have to draw a line under that and move onto Lord's. That's my focus." Whether Jordan wants to admit it or not, he is clearly one of the coming men of English cricket