England pace bowler Jones back in action

The England paceman Simon Jones began his long-awaited comeback from a career-threatening knee injury yesterday.

Jones, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee during last winter's Ashes tour, returned in Glamorgan's three-day second XI match with Lancashire at Panteg. And the 24-year-old was given an early chance to bowl after Lancashire won the toss and elected to bat.

"He bowled eight or nine overs in his first spell," Steve Watkin, Glamorgan's coach, said. "As you'd expect, he was a bit wayward. He didn't take a wicket but came on for a second spell later and bowled better. It's about easing him back in."

Jones required reconstructive surgery after trapping his knee on the ground while fielding in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane last November.

The Welshman had made a positive impression for England after making his debut against India at Lord's last summer. He has set his sights on winning a place on England's winter tour to Bangladesh.