Victorian Decision Puts Jones' Future In Doubt (22 May 1996)

22 May 1996

Victorian decision puts Jones` future in doubt

By William Gray

DEAN JONES, the Australian batsman, is unsure of his playing future with the Victorian state team after being removed as captain in favour of the Test leg-spinner, Shane Warne. Victoria`s chief executive, Ken Jacobs, insists, though, that Jones, state captain for the past three years, is "very much a required player in the future".

However, the 35-year-old Jones said yesterday that he was not sure whether he would want to play during the Australian summer after a season captaining Derbyshire.

"The big problem is whether I am up to it really, whether I feel strong enough physically and mentally," Jones said. "I think by the time Sept 5 comes around I will have had 26 days off in five months and whether I need another season at home I don`t know."

Warne will miss most of Victoria`s Sheffield Shield games next season because of national team duties but feels he will be able to bring experience and new ideas to the state side.

Jones had reportedly polarised the Victorian team by supporting last season`s controversial sacking of wicket-keeper Darren Berry by Les Stillman, who is now coaching Derbyshire. Stillman`s six-year reign as Victoria`s coach ended last week.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (http.//www.telegraph.co.uk)