By IANS,
London : England fast bowler Simon Jones, who played a key role in the 2005 Ashes triumph, is aiming to return for next year’s Ashes series against Australia.
The 29-year-old Jones has barely played since injuring his ankle in 2006.
The Worcestershire fast bowler, who has had three operations to fix his troublesome left knee injury, will return to action at the start of the English cricket season in April.
Jones has since done away with his crutches following his third operation last month and is determined to be fit for Australia’s return to British shores, as Kevin Pietersen’s side aim to restore some pride following their whitewash Down Under two years ago.
“I just decided to chuck out the crutches two weeks ago and it’s really good to be back on my feet,” Jones was quoted as saying in The Daily Telegraph.
“It’s been really tough but my surgeon Andy Williams is happy with how my last operation went and I start running again in January.
“After that the Ashes is the aim. I just need to get fit. I’m 30 on Christmas Day and certainly feel I’ve got a few years left in me.”
Jones has added interest in making his long-awaited return for England.
The first Test of the 2009 series will be hosted by Cardiff, at Sofia Gardens, the ground where the Welshman played most of his first-class cricket before moving to Worcester last winter.
“The build-up for the Ashes will begin soon, and the Aussies love to play mind games, so we’ll be prepared for that. The Ashes is already in the back of the boys’ minds, they’d be lying if they said it wasn’t.”