October 31 Thursday 2002
Jones rips through WA; England fail to win

PERTH: England's cricketers just missed out on a morale-boosting win against Western Australia here on Wednesday after a devastating spell from pace-bowler Simon Jones put them on course for victory.

Jones made strong claims for a place in England's attack for next week's first Ashes Test with a withering assault on the Western Australia batting line-up as the match finished in a draw.

The 23-year-old Welshman, who has appeared in only one Test to date, snatched 5-78 from 19 devastating overs in the state's second innings of 248. But it was not enough to hand his side victory.

England failed by just five runs to reach their victory target of 135, finishing the three-day match on 130 for five in their second innings. England hit out from the start of their run-chase, with Marcus Trescothick (19) and Robert Key (59 not out) belting the first 50 from 47 balls.

Key smashed his first 50 from 41 balls, crashing six fours and a six. England dismissed Western Australia for 213 in their first innings before replying with a positive 327.

England's dominance came as a timely lift with the opening Test only eight days away. It followed a poor start to the tour last week when they lost to an Australian invitational side. Jones made light of an irritating side injury to carve a swathe through the strong state batting line-up, claiming accomplished opener Mike Hussey (14), Chris Rogers (86), Brad Hogg (18), Brendon Nicholson (two), and Ryan Campbell (25).

He received excellent support from medium-pacer Craig White, who snapped up 2-54, with the scalps of Test opener Justin Langer (68) and Marcus North (0).

Jones made his Test debut against India at Lord's in the past English summer, starring with the bat -- he slammed 44 off only 43 balls in his maiden innings. He captured 4-129 in a promising start to his international career, but was ruled out of the next two matches with a side problem.

After his destructive performance, Jones spoke of his ambition to bowl as fast as Pakistan's express bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has been clocked at 161 kph (100 mph). "I know I still have a lot of hard work to do to achieve that," he said. "I let one or two go today, but I am still only operating at 85 to 90 per cent of my top pace."

His bowling has been recorded at more than 90 mph (144 kph). Jones said he was thrilled England had shown they were a good side. "And it can only get better."

Jones said he was very happy with with his form after his return from injury. "I am terrifically happy with the progress I have made in the last couple of weeks," he said. "My fitness has come on a lot."

Langer had a valuable workout, stroking 12 boundaries in his two and a half hour knock. Rogers occupied the creas for three and a half hours, hitting 10 boundaries.

A feature of the innings was the England fielding, with several outstanding catches being held. England captain Nasser Hussain woke Wednesday with a stiff back after his fine century the previous day and did not go on the field during the state's innings. He came out to bat at number seven in the England second innings.