Jones eyes England return

Simon Jones in a warm-up match during England's 2006 India tour © Getty Images

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New Worcestershire signing Simon Jones hopes his move to New Road will be the launchpad to help resurrect his England career.

The 28-year-old seamer has signed a two-year contract with the county after spending over a decade with Glamorgan.

Jones has been blighted by injury since playing a pivotal role in the 2005 Ashes series, but admitted the move could be the catalyst to help him add to the 59 wickets he has taken in 18 Tests for England.

“Playing for England is still an ambition of mine and I hope I can restart my international career,” Jones said.

“Anyone who has played international cricket will tell you it is where you want to be as a professional cricketer.

“But I realise the only way I am going to do that is by doing well in county cricket for Worcestershire, and that has to be my goal for the time being.

“New Road is a great place to bowl so I’m hoping to get some wickets and then I can start pushing for my place in the England side again.”

Jones grimmaces in a rare county game

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Jones has suffered a string of injury problems since missing the final Test at the Brit Oval in 2005, which have kept him out of the England frame.

It has also hampered him in domestic cricket; he has made only 14 appearances for Glamorgan in two years.

But following his move to New Road he is confident he is set for a run without any further problems.

“Hopefully now the worst of the injuries are behind me,” Jones said.

“It has been really hard having gone from playing for England, winning the Ashes, to two years of frustration on the sidelines.

“But now I’m feeling fit, ready to restart my career starting with Worcestershire then maybe, if I am performing well, catch the eye of the selectors.

“My first aim now, though, is to get a season under my belt here and then see how things develop from there.”

After 12 years with Glamorgan and strong links to the Welsh county, Jones admitted it was a difficult decision to leave Sophia Gardens.

He also explained that the financial package offered by Worcestershire was not a motivating factor in his decision to move away from Wales.

Jones celebrates Simon Katich's wicket during the 2005 Ashes © Getty Images

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“It was tough and I received a very good offer to stay but everyone there has respected my decision.

“I am a proud Welshman and representing Glamorgan was an honour for me, but the time felt right for a change.

“I have left amicably and there is certainly no hard feelings between myself (director of cricket) Matthew Maynard or anyone else at the club.

“Coming to Worcester is a fresh start for me after such a long time with Glamorgan.

“I think I needed a new challenge after being part of the furniture there.

“It was the hardest decision of my cricket career to leave but perhaps I needed a change to help me get back to where I was.

“There were two other counties interested in signing me but, having spoke to my dad and some of the people here, I decided this was the right move.

“Now can’t wait to get on the pitch and bowl, and show what I am capable of doing.”