Chris Jordan recalls facing 'relentless' racial abuse following England's T20 World Cup 2021 exit

Veteran England pacer Chris Jordan has recalled the “relentless” racial abuse he received on social media after England exited from the T20 World Cup 2021 in the semifinal. They lost the game to New Zealand by five wickets in Abu Dhabi on November 10, 2021. Jordan shared that there were a lot of comments on social media posts and direct messages that were racist.

The English fast bowler said that it was because people thought he had a big part to play in England losing the match. He added that the England team is as diverse as it gets, and he gave credits to former captains Joe Root and Eoin Morgan. He also mentioned that he made some lifelong friends in the changing room.

“Six months ago, in the World Cup semi-final, things didn’t go our way,” Jordan was quoted as saying by mirror.co.uk. “Social media, it was relentless for me, on Twitter and Instagram, there were lots of (racist) comments on my pictures and in my direct messages because we had lost a World Cup game. People felt that I had a big part to do with that,”

Real change will come from within, through having real conversations: Chris Jordan

“From my point of view, the England team currently is as diverse as it gets. I know that I’ve made some very good, lifelong friends in that changing room,” said the England fast bowler. “That’s a credit to people like Eoin Morgan and Joe Root because our changing room is one of the most diverse (in world cricket). “

“Real change will come from within, through having real conversations, as some people are just unaware; it’s about continued education,” added the 33-year-old. In the semifinal game, England batted first and scored 166, courtesy of an unbeaten 51 by all-rounder Moeen Ali.

During New Zealand’s chase, Devon Conway scored 46 runs off 38 balls and James Neesham scored a quickfire 27 runs off 11 balls in the backend of the innings. However, it was the opener Daryl Mitchell who took them over the line with an unbeaten 72 runs off 47 balls. Jordan had a tough game as he conceded 31 runs in three overs without picking a wicket.