HEAD coach Mark Davis believes Chris Jordan holds the key to Sussex’s hopes of making an instant return to division one of the Championship.

The England all-rounder has committed his future to Sussex after signing a new deal which will keep him at Hove until the end of the 2017 season.

Jordan played just six Championship games last summer as Sussex were relegated due to a combination of England commitments and a long injury lay-off.

The 27-year-old is determined to help Sussex bounce back straight away and Davis believes his availability will be crucial if the county are to win the division two title while also challenging for silverware in limited overs cricket.

Davis said: “CJ is a very important player for us so I am delighted we are going to have someone of his quality in our ranks for the next two years at least.

“We certainly noticed when he was not in the team because he gives us good balance. He bowls with pace, is a good batter and is one of the best slip catchers in the game so when he is around it makes a big difference.

“I don’t know how much he will be available this year. I wouldn’t speculate on that because things can change very quickly.

“One minute he might be out of the England team and the next he could be in it so we’ll just have to wait and see.

“Ideally we would love him to be with us as much as possible but on the other hand he has aspirations to play for England and we want to help him achieve that.”

Jordan’s career has taken off since he joined Sussex from Surrey at the end of 2012, going on to make 46 appearances for England across the three formats of the game.

He is currently in India ahead of the World Twenty20 but has been out of the Test side since last May meaning – fitness permitting – he should be available for a significant portion of the season.

The Barbados-born star insists he had no hesitation committing his future to Sussex despite their drop into division two and hopes to repay the county for helping to turn his career around.

Jordan said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be extending my contract at a club that I have grown to love and one that now feels like home.

“I’m looking forward to putting in my best performances on the pitch, helping Sussex back into division one and back to winning trophies.”