West Indies vs England: 'Every ounce of sweat is worth it' for match-winner Chris Jordan

The 30-year-old seamer has played all three formats for England but has been used by selectors as a Twenty20 specialist for the past two-and-a-half years

Jordan has worked his way back to being one of England's key men once more (AFP/Getty)

Chris Jordan has had to wait longer than most for his moments in the England spotlight but the paceman needed just 12 deliveries to underline his match-winning qualities in St Kitts.

The 30-year-old seamer has played all three formats for England but has been used by selectors as a Twenty20 specialist for the past two-and-a-half years.

That means he has managed just 11 days of international cricket since the start of 2018, a curiously light workload for a man who sowed the seeds of a punishing 137-run win in Friday's second T20 against the West Indies.

Jordan rattled through the middle order, sending back Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen in two explosive overs as the hosts slumped to 22 for six and eventually subsided for 45 - the lowest-ever total by a full member nation.

Where he often relies on slower balls, wide yorkers and occasionally his own remarkable catching ability, his latest cameo was built around good, old-fashioned pace bowling, with three outside edges and one lbw.

And while his box of tricks may primarily be honed away from the England set-up, that remains his favourite stage.

"When days like today come off, every ounce of sweat is worth it," he said. "I'm working so hard at my game every day, I'd like to think I've improved.

"I'm training well, my body's in good order and one of the things I identified is that as long as I'm fit, anything can happen on the cricket field.

"You try to add a few skills along the way, put yourself in situations where you gain a bit of confidence and keep trying to string together the good days. It's all worth it when you have days like this.

"I'll take any wickets, especially in T20 cricket, but it was nice to show another string to my bow. The ball was doing a bit and I was able to exploit that."

With solid support from the rest of the attack - David Willey, Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid all taking two apiece as the innings subsided in less than 12 overs - even England were taken aback at the final margin.

"I can't believe it, honestly, especially for a T20 game on such a small ground and against a side where the big hitters just keep on coming," said Jordan.

"The bowling unit was up to the task but the communication was important too, batsmen relating to us what they thought were the hardest balls to face on that pitch."

Jordan was outstanding once again (AFP)

Another eye-catching performance would amp up the momentum Jordan has built over the past few days, throwing him firmly into the conversation for a World Cup squad that appeared to be passing him by.

He still qualifies as a long shot, having last played 50-over cricket in September 2016, but he has not given up on going to the tournament alongside his close friend and Sussex team-mate Jofra Archer.

The latter qualifies for England next week and has been guaranteed an audition for the squad. But will Jordan be there too?

"It would be a dream for sure, 100 per cent," he said.

"I spend a lot of time with him and we do a lot of work together. If he makes it, if I make it, whoever makes it, hopefully we can go all the way and win that trophy."