Simon Jones ruled out of tour

Simon Jones: watching brief © Getty Images

Simon Jones has been ruled out of England's upcoming tour of Pakistan after failing to recover from the ankle injury which caused him to miss the final Test of the summer against Australia.

Jones failed a fitness test on Tuesday and Peter Gregory, the chief medical officer of the ECB, said he would now have to face surgery. "We have tried a number of measures to help Simon's ankle injury to settle, but these have been unsuccessful and we are left with no alternative but to operate," Gregory explained. "There should be sufficient time for Simon to regain fitness and hence become available for selection for the tour to India beginning in late February."

Jones was understandably frustrated at the setback. "I've rested for three weeks and it has got worse. It's very disappointing," Jones told the BBC. "The recovery period is around three months, which gives me time to recover for the India tour in February.

"It's not a serious operation but I've got to get it done and get on with the recovery work and I'm sure it will be fine. Some things come along and they can make you a better person and cricketer - and that is the way I am looking at this injury. I'm trying to be as positive as I can, and I will work as hard as I can to get back in the team."

David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, admitted that the loss of Jones would have a big impact on the Pakistan tour, notably as he is England's best exponent of reverse swing - a crucial ingredient on the sub-continent. "It is big blow. He formed a partnership as one of the four fast bowlers which proved such a test for Australia," said Graveney. "The combination of the four bowlers was really a perfect mix."

Jones has already fought back from one career-threatening knee injury when he ruptured cruciate ligaments on the last tour to Australia in November 2002, forcing him to spend a long time out of the game, but Graveney hopes that will actually aid his recovery not hinder it.

England have still to receive the all clear on Hampshire's Chris Tremlett, who is battling to recover from knee trouble and will continue to receive treatment before a decision is reached.