Miller backs duo to play

10:11am Friday 4th July 2008

England selector Geoff Miller insists Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones can earn the chance to resurrect their England Test careers.

Both players have spent lengthy periods out of the international limelight since the 2005 Ashes campaign but Miller has backed them to return.

He said: "If they deserve to replace somebody then they will. We'll decide if they're good enough to play."

He added: "We've left bowlers out in New Zealand and that made a difference and at one stage we left Andrew Strauss out as well, so it is not a cosy club at all.

"It is our decision if they're good enough to stay in the side or not. We have been in constant communication with Andrew over a period of time and we just need to see a few more miles in the legs and a few more runs from the bat.

"But England is a better side, as we know, with a fully fit Andrew Flintoff."

Flintoff's absence has been nowhere near the length of that of Welsh paceman Jones, whose recall to an England party ended what has been one agony after another since a chain of injuries began back in the penultimate match of the 2-1 Test victory over Australia three years ago.

Having already courageously fought back from a six-month hiatus with a ruptured cruciate ligament as a youngster, he has also battled a career-threatening knee problem with great success.

"My lowest point was probably last year when things were going wrong," said Jones, who has taken 26 County Championship wickets at 12.53 apiece for Worcestershire following a winter switch from Glamorgan.

"I had worked so hard to get where I needed to be and you do start doubting yourself then but things have clicked for me, so I am not going to dwell on what's gone, just look forward now, as I believe I am somewhere near my best."

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