Ashes hero Jones insists: Nobody will keep me out of the England team when I'm fit enough to return

The Worcestershire paceman, who is targeting an eventual international recall, claimed: "If I'm at my best, I don't see anyone keeping me out."

Jones was dogged by injury problems after playing a major role in the success over Australia three years ago with 18 wickets in four Tests.

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But he has had a new lease of life since moving from Glamorgan to New Road during the winter and made an encouraging start with his new county.

Jones finished with match figures of eight for 55 from 18.4 overs after helping the Pears defeat Essex in an LV County Championship Division Two clash on Sunday.

He knows he needs another couple of months of domestic cricket under his belt but feels fit and confident after taking wickets at regular intervals for Worcestershire during the first part of the campaign.

Jones said:  "I was in the best nick of my life in the Ashes 2005. I want to get back  there - and I know I can. People do doubt you and I do quite enjoy that because it is always nice to prove those people wrong.

"A lot has been said in the media and, when your name is not being mentioned by commentators, it gets you going. You just want to rub it in their faces when you do get back in the side.

"It is going to be tough to get back into that side. There is plenty of competition for places."

Jones admitted: "It has been a frustrating couple of years for me, going from such a high with the Ashes to such a low. I think Freddie Flintoff would agree with me as well after his injuries. To go through what we've gone through, our luck has got to change.

"I'm feeling good. It is a good couple of years since I felt as good as now. Last year was a disappointment. I felt a bit under-cooked going into the season with regards to bowling - and it showed.

"I pulled up with a little niggle in the calf and spasms in my back and my body wasn't ready. I've worked extra hard this winter and I felt I came into this season the best I felt.
"I want another couple of months of bowling flat out and for the body to get really strong."

Jones would dearly love to be part of the England squad for the 2009 Ashes series - with the first Test at Glamorgan's reshaped stadium where he plied his trade for more than a decade.

He said: "I've got the DVD of the 2005 Ashes in the house. I look at that sometimes. It was the best times of my career to date to win that and there is another series coming up in 2009.

"To get into England contention I need to take wickets. There is plenty of competition for places and, as long as I can keep on pushing, I think I'll be doing my job for Worcestershire."