Sport

Jones out

london, (reuters)

ENGLAND SUFFERED A major blow ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia when fast bowler Simon Jones was ruled out by injury yesterday.

Jones hurt his right ankle on the third day of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge and failed to recover for The Oval finale, despite undergoing intensive treatment, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.

England lead the series 2-1 but Australia will retain the Ashes which they have held since 1989 if they can win at The Oval. The Test starts tomorrow.

"Jones had a fitness test at Lord's this morning but was still experiencing pain from the ankle injury," said an ECB spokesman.
"The Test consisted of Jones running around the outfield but he pulled up sore. He has been released from the squad and sent home."

Jones, who has taken 18 wickets at 21 runs apiece in the Ashes series, told Sky Sports News: "I've been working hard on this and I've done everything I could have done to get fit. I just needed more time."