Jones out of Ashes

Pace bowler Simon Jones is extremely unlikely to play in the upcoming Ashes series, due to keyhole surgery on his knee.

He underwent the operation yesterday in America, carried out by a specialist who has also operated on former England bowler Darren Gough and several other world class sportsmen. He is unable to bowl for five months, and although the Ashes start in November, England will not risk a semi-fit Jones.

The team’s chief medical officer, Peter Gregory, said: “At this stage, we do not expect Simon to be bowling for at least five months, which makes his participation in the Ashes extremely unlikely. The rehabilitation from this surgery must be taken slowly to give Simon the best chance of a good result.”

Jones has a history of knee trouble. He was out for fifteen months after an injury in Brisbane in 2002, and has not played for England since last year’s fourth Ashes test, where he injured his other knee. He was expected to return during the India tour, but twisted his knee in practice and had to fly home alongside Michael Vaughan. Good progress appeared to be being made for Glamorgan, until broke down again in a one-day game.

The Glamorgan star’s absence will be a huge blow again, Jones was a huge force in last year’s victory and England will miss his reverse swing greatly, especially given the huge number of injuries to other players at the minute.