The New Nation - Internet Edition

BBC Online

England fast bowler Simon Jones has joined Worcestershire on a two-year deal after deciding to leave Glamorgan.

Jones, 28, starred in England's 2005 Ashes win, taking 18 wickets in four Tests against Australia.

But he has not played international cricket since then because of ankle and, more seriously, knee problems.

"This has the potential of being the club's biggest signing since the days of Ian Botham and Graham Dilley," said club director of cricket, Steve Rhodes.

"He is a proven strike bowler with the ability to reverse swing the ball very effectively.

"He has proved himself at the highest level but what has impressed me most during our discussions is his overwhelming desire to regain his England place."

The 28-year-old hopes the move will provide a fresh start to his career after injuries over the past two years.

"I'm really hungry to get back playing; to prove points to people," Jones told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"There was quite a lot of interest and I had to turn down a couple of offers because I liked the Worcester offer so much.

"It's never been a financial thing; I wanted a new start and I think Worcester is the best place for me."

Jones said leaving Glamorgan after 12 years had been "very tough".

He continued: "It wasn't a nice feeling when I went in to see the chief executive, Mike Fatkin, to tell him - it was probably the hardest 10 minutes of my life.

"But he respected my wishes. He was obviously disappointed, but it was something I felt I needed to do."

Jones said having so many injuries had been "pulling your hair out stuff" but he was now working to hard to keep himself in "good nick".

And on his future international ambitions, he added: "I would never give them up and if things start well here with Worcestershire, you never know what could happen."