You can create Initial status custom field to display the very first status of the issue. This field is searchable and calculated (read-only) custom field.
To create a custom counter field
- Navigate to JIRA Admin > Add-ons > Enhancer Plugin Menu > Custom Field Configuration and switch to Status tab.
- Click on Add new Status custom field button and select Add new Initial Status custom field.
- Fill the dialog
- Give a name to the custom field
- And click Save. That's it.
This custom field can be used to sort or search in issue navigator.