Jones out of Ashes

Simon Jones is out of the Ashes. You may be wondering why I said that twice in quick succession. But it’s true – Simon Jones is out of the Ashes which deals a major blow to England’s preparations for retaining said burnt bails. Arguably the difference between England and Australia last year was the bowling attack – and particularly England’s lineup of 3 or 4 quality quicks. That’s not even mentioning Jones’ ability to employ the reverse swing, who, let’s not forget, was named one last year’s 5 cricketers of the year.

Jones’ latest surgery, the latest in both a long list of personal injuries and a long list of team injuries will only add to England’s woes. Vaughan and Harmison are looking good to return, but with Flintoff currently struggling, Pietersen a worry and Giles not even near a cricket pitch, it’s hardly an ideal position to be in.

The real question now is whether Jones has got an England future. I’ve long since thought he was a bit of a hypochondriac (not that I’m saying keyhole surgery on your knee isn’t required nor does it not smart a bit) but you wonder if he’s really cut out for the pressure of International cricket. I think it was cramp that stopped him bowling at the death in the 3rd test of the 2005 series -  which saw a cold/not loose Steve Harmison bowl a rubbish last over, to let the Aussies draw the match. Cramp? And this is his 3rd serious injury. I feel sorry for the guy, but there’s something a little too Jonny Wilkinson about his recent fitness levels.

Ultimately we’ll just have to wait and see. But I have a feeling that there going to be a number of key England players who make a name for themselves in the Ashes series, which might see Simon Jones’ name quietly slip from the selectors’ lips into oblivion.

That last paragraph was frighteningly poetic.