SIMON Jones' battle to prove his fitness and earn the final place in the England cricket squad's tour of the West Indies has been given enthusiastic support by potential strike partner Steve Harmison.

Glamorgan fast bowler Jones has been sidelined for 14 months with a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained during the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane last winter and was widely expected to earn a place in the tour squad announced by chairman of selectors David Graveney.

But after completing only two second XI matches since the injury, the selectors wanted to see more evidence of Jones' return to fitness and form and he will be expected to prove his readiness during the A tour to Malaysia and India, which begins on January 26, before England add the final name to the senior squad.

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