Injury rules Jones out

Simon Jones will play no part in the England Lions clash with South Africa this week

Simon Jones has been forced to pull out of the England Lions squad for Thursday's one-day match against South Africa.

The Worcestershire pace bowler, whose stunning domestic form earned him a recall to the international arena, is struggling with a minor hamstring strain.

He has been replaced in the 12-man squad for the game at Grace Road by Gloucestershire seamer Steve Kirby, who was named in the Lions squad for the four-day tour match against New Zealand in May without making the final XI.

Jones is expected to recover in time for Worcestershire’s LV County Championship encounter with Essex at Colchester starting next Wednesday.

The 29-year-old starred in England's Ashes triumph in 2005 but has not played for his country since the fourth Test of that series due to a succession of injuries.

However, he has excelled since moving to New Road from Glamorgan this season, taking 42 wickets at 18 apiece in nine championship games.

South Africa meet the Lions in a second one-day match at Derbyshire on Sunday, ahead of the Twenty20 international and NatWest Series against England starting next week.