Jones thanks the Aussie connection

Simon Jones was facing the prospect of early retirement after losing his ECB central contract and being offered a reduced deal by Glamorgan following long-running injury problems since the 2005 Ashes. Now, though, he is preparing for the new season with Worcestershire and still has ambitions to return to England colours. And the key to his recovery? Troy Cooley, the former England fast-bowling coach who left after the 2005 Ashes and returned to Australia. Jones spoke to Bill Day from the Mail on Sunday.

I've been sending video footage for Troy to inspect my bowling action after recovery from my knee injury...He was building my confidence when, frankly, England were no longer keeping in touch.

I felt really disappointed that someone who had worked so hard for that Ashes win could be forgotten so soon. I wanted someone to believe in me, not kick me in the teeth. Troy did that, and so did Steve Rhodes, Worcestershire's cricket director, who said he wanted me, but only if I still had England ambitions.