JONES_SHOULD_COME_BACK_BORDER_09NOV94

Border Urges Jones To Change His Mind

Former Australian captain Allan Border Wednesday urged batsman Dean Jones to revoke his retirement and make himself available for national selection, including the Test team.

Jones retired from international cricket after missing selection for Australia`s tour of South Africa in April, but has since told selectors he would be willing to return to lead the second-string Australia A team in the four-way World Series competition against Australia, England and Zimbabwe this summer.

The Australian Cricket Board has said Jones must be available for selection to all teams if he wants to be considered.

``I agree with the Board,`` Border said. ``He can`t just say `this is what I`d like to do and what I wouldn`t like to do`.

``I would like Deano to make himself available, be it for Australia or Australia A, and then see what the selectors want to do with him.

``He`s too good a player, he`s got too much to offer, to be floating around in Sheffield Shield cricket. ``

Australia will field two teams for the World Series tournament with the Australia A team expected to comprise up-and-coming players.

Border described Jones` decision to retire from international cricket as ``hasty``.

``He`s a player that should be available to play for Australia,`` he said. ``He`s still young enough, fit enough, to be a player.``

Jones has made 881 runs at an average of 176 during his past eight Shield innings for Victoria.

The 33-year-old Victorian captain has already made centuries in the Mercantile Mutual Cup one-day competition and Sheffield Shield this season.

Source :: AP Worldstream