 Simon Jones has suffered from ankle and knee problems |
Simon Jones has told England's selectors he "is now ready" to end his three-year international exile. The Worcestershire fast bowler has suffered an injury nightmare since last starring for England in their memorable 2005 Ashes success against Australia. Jones, 29, has impressed this season and hopes to be in England's squad for the third Test with South Africa. "I feel fine," said Jones. "I'm now ready for England and would love to be included but I don't know if I will." England are 1-0 down after two matches of the four-game series against South Africa and on Saturday the selectors will name their squad for the Edgbaston Test, which is set to start on Wednesday.  | 606: DEBATE |
England's seam attack was criticised for failing to bowl out South Africa twice and the selectors were slammed for the controversial second Test call-up of Darren Pattinson after only 11 first-class appearances for Nottinghamshire. Jones has endured career-threatening knee and ankle injuries since his last England display in the fourth Test of the 2005 Ashes series. But he is on the road to full recovery and his averages are among the best in County Championship Division Two. Jones has been included in England's provisional ICC Champions Trophy squad and his sheer pace and reverse swing would add much-needed bite and aggression to the England Test side. The former Glamorgan star was rested for Worcestershire's County Championship clash with Middlesex, sparking rumours he will be called up for England. "I don't know anything about that," Jones told BBC Sport. "But, after consultation with England bowling coach Kevin Shine, I have been rested regularly throughout the season as Worcestershire have rotated their seamers. "Staying on the park and taking wickets was my priority and everything has gone to plan. | Matthew Hoggard, Harmie and myself are all vying for a place and it would be great if we all could join Andrew Flintoff back in the squad |
"All season I have kept pushing myself towards an England recall and to do that you need to take wickets - and that's what I have done. "I was a little disappointed with the selection for the last Test but I'm sure there were a number of bowlers who were. "But I've just kept my head down and worked hard. "A lot of people doubted me at the start of the season. "But I've hit 90mph this season and it is good to prove a few people wrong - and prove to myself I can return to where I once was. "I always find a big volume of wickets is the best way to get my point across." Jones has taken 32 County Championship wickets this season, including three five-wicket hauls, but he is not the only 2005 Ashes bowling hero to show good form. Pace ace Steve Harmison is performing well for Durham and Jones admitted: "We'd all love to get back in the squad. "Matthew Hoggard, Harmie and myself are all vying for a place and it would be great if we all could join Andrew Flintoff back in the squad. "But the young lads have done well. The number of talented bowlers is great news for English cricket."
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