Fletcher backs Jones as key to second Test

DURBAN (South Africa): England coach Duncan Fletcher believes paceman Simon Jones is getting close to maximum speed and will prove a vital weapon as his side take on South Africa in the second Test here on Sunday. The Welshman took 4-39 in the first Test in Port Elizabeth to help England to a seven-wicket victory on Tuesday and Fletcher hopes he will return to bowling at express pace after his steady rehabilitation from a knee injury. Jones has been forced to bowl at reduced speed since tearing a cruciate ligament at the start of the tour of Australia in 2002-2003. “Now he’s got this confidence he can probably up the speed a little bit,” Fletcher told the BBC. “And if he can do that we’ve got a strong bowling unit there.” afp

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