Jones ruled out for season

Worcestershire fast bowler Simon Jones has been ruled out for the rest of the season by a knee injury.

Knee injury ends paceman's hopes of an England recall

Simon Jones has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. A scan revealed that the Worcestershire fast bowler, 29, is suffering from cartilage damage and requires an arthroscopy to clean up the joint. Jones had put himself in contention for an England recall after taking 42 first-class wickets at an average of 18.02 in his first season at New Road. "Simon has had a wonderful year with a strike rate of a wicket every 30 deliveries," said Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes. "The plan was to have Simon still playing in September. "Whilst this has not quite been achieved I am delighted with his contribution and the plan will be to rehab Simon in a way to get him back fitter and stronger for the cricket that lies ahead of him." A succession of fitness problems have prevented Jones representing England since the 2005 home series against Australia, when his pacy swing was a major factor in a thrilling 2-1 victory. He appeared to be forcing his way back into the international reckoning this summer and was called up to the Lions squad for the recent one-day clashes with South Africa before his injury jinx struck once again.