Injuries mean Jones has not played for Worcestershire this season

Simon Jones' 2005 Ashes-winning England team-mate Geraint Jones says the fast bowler can bounce back after injuries led Worcestershire to let him go.

Worcestershire decided not to offer injury-hit Welshman Jones, 30, a new contract, leaving the player in limbo.

But Geraint Jones said he would like to see the fast bowler join him at Kent, adding: "There'll be someone out there that will give him a try.

"At some point you'd like to think his injuries would come to an end."

The Kent wicketkeeper has even gone so far as to suggest to his county captain that they consider signing his namesake Simon on a pay-as-he-plays contract.

"I spoke to Rob Key about that," he added. "A player of his calibre and what he's done on the international stage - you can't not look and think what could Simon bring to us?

"And our thinking was pay-as-you-play. I just threw it at Keysy and there was a bit of an interest in his eye, I must admit.

606: DEBATE Who should sign Simon Jones?

"But his issue, of course, was the fitness and how much could Simon trust his body to be on a pay-as-you-play contract and can he afford to do that?

"But if it's not us there'll be someone out there for sure that will give him a try."

Recalling Simon Jones' contribution to England's 2005 Ashes series defeat of Australia, Geraint Jones said: "Simon was so crucial in 2005 and to be blighted by the injuries is a great shame because he was just starting to come into his own as a bowler.

"The art of reverse swing he had mastered and he'd also worked out his lines, his lengths and he just became very comfortable with his bowling.

"The best years were ahead of him, but unfortunately his body wasn't going to allow that.

"Throughout that series Simon really turned it on and at Old Trafford [he took] crucial wickets.

"Also at Trent Bridge when he took those five wickets which enabled us to make Australia follow on for the first time in a long time."

Earlier ex-Australia and Glamorgan fast bowler Jason Gillespie told BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page: "It's going to be a brave county to take Simon Jones on.

"I think when fit he's absolutely devastating, but the poor bloke. I know what it's like to go through injuries.

Worcester had him for half a season last year and he [Simon Jones] still managed 40-odd wickets for about 18 [runs per wicket] Jason Gillespie

"It is tough and it's frustrating to continually spend your time in the gym doing rehab.

"I really hope Simon Jones gets himself fit, gets himself strong and can be picked up by another county.

"It's going to be a brave county to do it, but maybe it'll be worth the PR [public relations] just getting Simon Jones there and who knows?

"Worcester had him for half a season last year and he still managed 40-odd wickets for about 18 [runs per wicket] so there is value there if you can get him on the park."

Jones joined Worcestershire from Glamorgan for the start of the 2008 season and made a sizeable contribution as his new county were promoted back to the top division of the County Championship.

However, he picked up an injury towards the end of last season and despite his best efforts to regain fitness he was ruled out for the whole of the current campaign.

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