Pietersen wanted Jones to play in India

Updated 10.44 Tue Sep 02 2008

Kevin Pietersen has revealed Simon Jones was in his plans for the England cricket tour of India this winter.

Jones was part of the England team that won the Ashes in 2005 but he has since suffered ankle and knee injuries that have prevented him from playing a single Test since that series.

"I wanted Simon to come to India and play for me" - Kevin Pietersen

And he has been ruled out of Worcestershire's remaining County Championship and Pro40 matches as he is recovering from a knee injury.

Pietersen said: "I'm a huge Simon Jones fan. I'm a good mate of his, I've always kept in touch with Simon and I speak to him regularly.

"I'm probably not as distraught as he is about the operation he had last week but I'm gutted because I wanted Simon to come to India and play for me.

"He was an unsung hero of 2005 and he definitely has it and he's someone I definitely want to get involved again."

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