Chris Jordan may not have been part of England's historic World Cup win but he derived plenty of satisfaction from close friend Jofra Archer's starring role in the gripping final in July.
Jordan was tipped for a place in England's 15-man squad after gaining a head of steam during the Twenty20 portion of the West Indies tour last winter but was ultimately unable to force his way into contention.
There was no bitterness on Jordan's part and the bond he shares with Archer – whom he has previously referred to as his "little brother" – means he lived vicariously through his fellow Sussex seamer, who held his nerve in a dramatic Super Over against New Zealand to help England to a first 50-over global title.
"If anything I felt just as much a part of it," said Jordan, who was in the XI four years ago when England memorably overcame the Kiwis in a match that marked a turning point in their one-day international fortunes.
"Obviously I was there when we made that transition in 2015 so I was part of the build-up.
"More than anything, when Jofra was performing the way he was performing, it felt like I was making those performances as well.
"It was that touching, especially in the World Cup final when he bowled that awesome Super Over.
"I get on really well with the lads, I've created some really good friendships over the last five or six years that I've been in the England team so I was more than happy for the boys. It was thoroughly deserved."
Jordan remains in the selectors' thoughts in T20s and he is in the squad for the five-match series against New Zealand which marks the start of Chris Silverwood's reign as England head coach.
More importantly, England's preparations for next year's T20 World Cup begin in earnest over the next few weeks although Jordan insists he is not thinking that far ahead.
"Obviously the World Cup is a nice, little carrot at the end of that few months but it will be one game at a time," said Jordan.
"If you get too far ahead of yourself, you're not actually concentrating on what's in front of you on the day. You can't build those good habits and that momentum."
Pat Brown, Lewis Gregory and Saqib Mahmood are among a number of fresh faces in England's squad and add to an already crowded list of names for a fast bowling spot – although Jordan relishes the competition.
He said: "Anything that makes English cricket stronger makes the team stronger and it keeps everyone on top of their game. The more guys that we can have pushing for selection, the more headaches we can give selectors.
"We've added a wealth of young talent to the squad which brings in some good energy. It's an opportunity for everyone. I'll have to continue to improve myself and stay on top of my game."
Jordan's 39 international appearances in T20s is second only to England captain Eoin Morgan among the players who will feature in the first warm-up against a New Zealand XI in Lincoln on Sunday.
The 31-year-old is unfazed by his status, adding: "Yes, I might be considered a senior player with my experience but I'm always looking to learn off any player whether they're old or young.
"I try to keep my standards as high as possible and try to give my all every day, whether it be in training or a game, so that won't change.
"It's nice (to be in the squad) but nothing that's taken for granted at all."
