Chris Jordan will not allow his homecoming distract from helping England to Twenty20 success against West Indies.
The 25-year-old was born and raised in Barbados, the scene for the three-match series which starts on Sunday, and expects to be watched by family and friends as he attempts to secure a spot in Stuart Broad's side ahead of the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.
Jordan left the Caribbean as a teenager for a scholarship at Dulwich College and returns for the first time in England colours this week.
The Sussex bowler is enjoying having the opportunity to return home, but insists once the games start it will be business as usual.
He said: “I hope that I’m focused at that stage and can concentrate on doing the job instead of getting too distracted by the occasion. I hope that’s the feeling at that point.
“A lot of my family and friends are here so it’s really nice catching up with them but on-the-field issues are the most important thing. Hopefully we can pick up a series win.”
Bridgetown also holds fond memories for the England side, with their victory over Australia in the 2010 World T20 final coming at the Kensington Oval.
Broad’s men will look to replicate that success in Bangladesh over the next month, with this warm-up series in Barbados an important preparation.
Jordan, who was left out of the final two one-day internationals - a series in which England recorded a 2-1 success - has been working hard to ensure he is ready to take his opportunity and earn a place in the team for the Word T20.
He said: “Having been left out over the past week or so, I’ve worked really hard on my skills in the nets and I think the balls coming out as good as it has been for a while. I’m also striking it fairly okay as well.
“Hopefullym in terms of a bowler, I can add variation and do a little bit better at the death, and also if I get the chance to bat I can hit a few out of the park.”
Jordan was speaking at a Sport for Life event in Bridgetown, which saw local youngsters get the opportunity to train alongside the England players.
And Jordan was more than happy to help out.
“It’s a very good charity and a good opportunity for the kids to meet the England players and pick their brains,” he said.
“Sport is a discipline and you learn a lot about things you can use in life. Both of them are related to one another. Sport has been so key in the way I live my life.”