Steffan Jones pays tribute to 'Banger'

The morning after appearing for Wales in their historic victory over England at Cardiff, Somerset fast bowler Steffan Jones was in buoyant mood when I spoke to him.

He told me: "It was a really great day for Wales and for me, and I'm very pleased with my performance. It gave me a chance to show Duncan Fletcher how well I can bowl in one day cricket."

The Welshman continued: " This is the start of my season now, after struggling for several weeks with an injury. I bowled quickly at the start , and then bowled again at the death, I was pleased with my figures of 1 for 27 off 9 overs. This was a big occasion for me and a shop window to show the England management just what I can do."

I asked about the catch that dismissed his Somerset team mate Marcus Trescothick. He told me: "I caught him out at third man off Andrew Davies. One of the Welsh boys said that `Banger' looked round after he hit the ball, saw it was me and gave a smile."

Steffan paid tribute to the way that the acting England skipper had reacted at the end of the game. He said: "Banger was very gracious in defeat, and came across to us all and said well done. When the winning run was hit I wasn't on the field, but Banger grabbed one of the stumps and gave it to Steve James to give to me. I really appreciated that."

He concluded: "Now I'm back to full fitness I am looking forward to making a real contribution for Somerset."