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Jones 'has a chance' of Test selection

03/07/2008

Pace bowler Simon Jones is closing in on a return to the England Test side for the first time since 2005, according to national selector Geoff Miller.

Jones, who has been in excellent form in county cricket since moving from Glamorgan to Worcestershire earlier this year, has been selected in the provisional 30-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in September.

But Miller admitted his name has also been mentioned in relation to the Test team - and he could be set to play for England for the first time since the fourth Test of the Ashes series in 2005 if he continues to play well on the domestic scene.

"He's made his move from Glamorgan to Worcestershire and he's got himself fighting fit," Miller revealed.

"We've monitored him quite stringently over the last few weeks – it's nice to see him back.

"He's not made himself unavailable for Test cricket so if he keeps performing as he's been performing, consistently, then he's got a chance."

Miller conceded that he still has doubts over Jones' fitness, saying "he's not mended yet".

But he was under no illusions as to the impact a bowler of Jones' stature could have on the England team if he were to win back his place.

"What he can do with the reverse swing - if he starts to perform as he did in the Ashes series then we've got something special there," Miller added.

"It's fantastic if he's knocking on the door."