Jones goes west for answers

Simon Jones broke down in the nets during the tour of India in February © Getty Images

England fast bowler Simon Jones has flown to America to seek a further opinion on his knee injury.

The 27-year-old travelled to the United States to allow world-renowned specialist Dr Richard Steadman to assess the damage to the left knee he first injured in the nets in Nagpur in India in late February.

This follows advice from a British specialist late last week for Jones to undergo an arthroscopy.

An ECB spokesman said: “Simon had an MRI scan last week which confirms that damage to his knee persists.

“The advice from the specialist is that he will need keyhole surgery.

“The nature of the surgery will depend on the extent of the damage so we cannot predict a recovery time at this stage.

“Before committing to surgery, we are seeking a second opinion and we expect to receive a further report on Wednesday.”

Whether that keyhole surgery - which effectively allows a camera into the joint - will take place will depend on the recommendation of
Colorado-based Steadman, who has advised high-profile footballers such as Alan Shearer, Henrik Larsson and Patrik Berger on similar injuries.

Jones, a key player in England's Ashes success in 2005, broke down in Glamorgan's C&G Trophy contest with Ireland on May 1 and was advised to rest for six weeks after an MRI scan revealed he had sustained a new injury to his knee, in the form of cartilage damage.

He took 18 wickets against the Australians but missed the final npower Test at the Brit Oval due to a bone spur in his ankle and subsequently the tour of Pakistan, after he had it surgically removed.