Mission accomplished - Jones set to return home early

Simon Jones has done enough to convince the England A management that he is fit and raring to go, and is likely to be wrapped in cotton wool and sent home - straight into the squad for the tour of West Indies.

Rod Marsh, England A's coach, is suggesting that Jones isn't risked in any more matches in India. "Assuming the other selectors agree with me, we will leave the decision to Simon," Marsh explained. "He's not had much match practice since he came back and may want another four days on the park. It's down to him."

England A face some gruelling travelling in the next few days, in particular an eight-hour train journey between Delhi and Amritsar. Marsh is determined to ensure that Jones's fitness is not compromised by the punishing itinerary.

Marsh has summoned Yorkshire pace bowler Steve Kirby from Madras, where he has been in the academy there, training with Dennis Lillee at the MRF Pace Foundation. Lillee is reported to be impressed with Kirby's pace, and that is good enough for his former team-mate Marsh.