Chris Jordan is a fantastic fielder. This is not news to most people. But even by the standards of Jordan’s fielding his pair of spectacular efforts during Perth Scorchers’ match against Melbourne Renegades were extraordinary.
The Scorchers had posted a strong total of 196-7 batting first thanks in no small part to fifties from Cameron Bancroft and Mitchell Marsh. Jordan did not have a chance to impact with the bat, run out without facing from the final ball of the innings.
But with ball in hand, Jordan quickly took the vital wicket of Aaron Finch. It was at the death that Jordan had his biggest say on the outcome of the match though.
The pass
Mitch Marsh bowling the 16th over to his brother Shaun and Beau Webster, both well set. Webster hammered one for six third ball of the over to leave the Renegades needing 62 from 27.
Chris Jordan doing Chris Jordan things ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/giierggA9s
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 21, 2019
The next ball looked like it was heading for four more, until Jordan used his football skills to deflect the ball to fellow fielder Liam Livingstone. Still 17 from the over kept the Renegades in the hunt.
Another big over saw Shaun Marsh bring up fifty of his own, and left the Renegades needing 41 from the final three overs.
The catch
Marsh departed first ball of the 18th, giving a simple catch to Jordan down the ground as he mistimed one. It turned out to be just a warm-up for what was to come.
NO WAY!
You CANNOT do that Chris Jordan.pic.twitter.com/QYljeuvU4H
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 21, 2019
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Dan Christian, beaten in the flight first ball, sought to catch up with his second. He fetched it, looking to smear it into the gap at wide long on. He surely thought he had. But the Chris Jordan fielding masterclass sent him packing, as a full length dive allowed him to complete an incredible catch.
To cap it all off, Jordan took another wicket with the first ball of the next over, and conceded just nine runs from it, all but confirming the Scorchers win.