Chris Jordan set for IPL stint

Chris Jordan, the England fast bowler, has signed for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. Jordan, a member of the England side that made it to the final of the World T20, will leave Sussex immediately as a replacement for the injured Mitchell Starc.

While Jordan emerged as one of England's key death bowlers in the World T20, he also had a decent chance of winning a place in the Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka in the absence of the injured Mark Wood. His decision to play in the IPL is unlikely to further his immediate Test ambitions, though the England management have previously recognised the benefits of their players gaining experience in other domestic T20 leagues. He was not picked up by a franchise during the auction in February.

Sussex had already been without Jordan for the opening two Specsavers Championship matches as he rested an elbow injury which flared up at the World Twenty20 but had hoped to welcome him back for Sunday's home game against Leicestershire. He will now miss their next three Championship matches - four if Bangalore reach the final.

Head coach Mark Davis told The Argus: "It is a great opportunity for Chris so we wish him well but obviously it is not ideal to lose one of our best players for a significant period of time. We knew something like this could have been on the cards because he showed at the World Twenty20 what a quality player he is."

Players required for Test duty by England will be required to return to the UK by noon on May 6, with most non-Test players required to return by noon on May 17 to ensure their availability in the opening round of T20 Blast matches on May 20. It seems safe to assume Jordan will not now return until May 17.