Jones in Ashes squad and Wallace in the Academy

Simon Jones and Mark Wallace have both received good news this morning following the announcement of England`s 16-man party for the Ashes series, as well as the squad for the E.C.B. Academy.

Simon Jones, who has been troubled by a rib injury in the past fortnight, is one of the 16 names in the England party for the Ashes tour. Jones is one of five pace bowlers in the party, alongside Andy Caddick, Stephen Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and Darren Gough, plus all-rounder Andy Flintoff.

In announcing the party, Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney said "In choosing the make-up of this squad, we have opted for five pace bowlers, two spinners and one all-rounder. Reflecting on the team's performances this summer, we have been mindful of the need to strengthen our ability to bowl sides out twice and give ourselves a greater chance of winning matches."

"Simon Jones and Stephen Harmison are both terrific prospects who should find the conditions in Australia to their liking and their inclusion will create genuine competition for places in the pace bowling department."

"We will continue to monitor the fitness of Andrew Flintoff, Darren Gough, Simon Jones and Michael Vaughan in the run-up to departure, but at this stage we are confident that all four will be fit and available to tour. "

Mark Wallace is one of the 15 players named in the squad for the E.C.B. National Academy, and for the second consecutive winter, the Glamorgan wicket-keeper will be `down under` with the Academy squad.