By Callum Dent
Chris Jordan believes the Ageas Bowl crowd can inspire England to victory in the third Investec Test against India.
The hosts need to win to square the series with two games to play, having lost by 95 runs at Lord’s.
Jordan has fond memories of the ground in Southampton, having made his one-day international debut there in the winner-takes-all clash with Australia last summer.
Although the tourists claimed victory in the match and series courtesy of a stunning innings of 143 from Shane Watson, Jordan announced himself on the international stage with a fine bowling performance.
Roared on by the Hampshire faithful, the paceman accounted for Phil Hughes, Michael Clarke and James Faulkner in figures of 3-51 from 10 overs.
And turning his attentions to the third contest in the five-match series, which starts on Sunday, Jordan is hoping the local fans can again get behind Alastair Cook’s side.
Jordan told ecb.co.uk: “I have some brilliant memories here in terms of personal achievements, although the result did not go to plan.
“Coming into the series and making my debut in a decider was very exciting. The crowd here were right behind the team, very vibrant and electric, so hopefully we can have more of that in the Test series, which will be a very key and important game at the Ageas Bowl.
“Hopefully we can be in a position where we win the key moments and make this a memorable Test match for everyone involved with Hampshire and England.
“When the crowd come out and the players really connect with the crowd, they really enjoy it and then the players end up performing a lot on adrenaline as well, which is really good.
“That puts you in a position to take a spectacular catch, bowl a spectacular ball or play that spectacular innings. I expect the crowd to be similar.
“It’s a good cricket pitch which hopefully can be prepared for the Test match also. It’s good for batting and you normally get decent carry when bowling. That will make for a good spectacle.”
Jordan is adamant the experience of playing an international match at the Ageas Bowl before will stand him in good stead if he gets the nod on Sunday.
Learn how to hit the ball like Chris Jordan! Free kids coaching at The Ageas Bowl during the #EngvInd Test Match. pic.twitter.com/BbIPSEQuU5
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) July 3, 2014
The Sussex player said: “I have played first-class games here as well. Having not played an international game at that point, I was very nervous.
“I still get nervous but, having had a few games under my belt now, I will be coming back here a bit more confident if I get the nod.
“That will hopefully help me to put in a really good performance for England.”
Hampshire have produced an initiative to attract kids to the Test, which takes place during the school holidays.
The club will provide an array of attractions and coaching sessions to connect with the next generation.
And Jordan is fully behind the idea of promoting Test cricket to youngsters.
“I have been working with some kids and they really enjoyed it and got stuck in. This will be a big step to inspire a new generation,” Jordan added.