Jones targets England return

Simon Jones © Getty Images

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Simon Jones has set his sights on putting two years of injury frustration behind him and regaining his England spot.

Jones, one of the fast bowling heroes of England’s 2005 Ashes triumph, is hoping to impress with his new county Worcestershire after moving from Glamorgan during the winter.

The 29-year-old claimed: “I don’t think there is anyone in the England side who is going to keep me out if I get back to where I was - which I’m sure I will.”

Jones has made just five appearances in the LV County Championship since his last Test appearance against Australia at Trent Bridge nearly three years ago.

He is easing his way back into action via a series of pre-season friendlies with the Pears before the opening four-day game against Warwickshire at Edgbaston next week.

Jones, speaking at the county’s pre-season media day, said: “I’ve been frustrated since the Ashes win. You want to play cricket and you keep getting these little injuries. There is nothing you can do about it.

“You have to learn to deal with it and stay as positive as you can. I’ve worked hard in the winter and I feel as good as I have ever done. I’ve played all the warm-up games and I’ve had no twinges at all.

“I see no reason why I shouldn’t be bowling at full throttle by the time the season starts and I’m very confident at the moment.”

Jones hopes to hit the heights he reached in the 2005 Ashes

Jones is keen to again represent his country but knows he must prove his fitness with the Pears.

He said: “You have got to back yourself to bowl as well as you can. I know that if I am going to get back in with England that people are going to want to see me bowl a lot of overs and to be consistent.

“There is always a place up for grabs. There are four bowlers in there at the moment but no-one’s place is for certain. You only need one bad game and the doubts creep in.

“I’m confident I can get back in the England side if I can show what I am capable of.

“But at the moment I am just trying to play a full county season and, if that gets me back in the England side, then so be it.”

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes is aware of the need not to over bowl Jones after his injury problems and may rotate his quick bowlers.

Jones said: “I am a rhythm bowler and I need to bowl as much as I can. But I also know I can’t be stupid about it and bowl a ridiculous number of overs.

“Rotation is good during the season because the county season is a long one and there are not many bowlers who don’t pick up injuries because they are bowling too much.

“I am happy with what Steve has said about using a rotation system and hopefully it will work well for us.”