As rain forced the abandonment of Glamorgan`s match with the Sri Lankan tourists at Cardiff, Simon Jones has spoken about how changing his run-up and modifying his action have all helped him become a better bowler.

Earlier in his Glamorgan career, Jones was plagued by a no-ball problem, as well as niggling little injuries. There was never any doubt that he had raw pace, but he was prone to be quite erratic in both line and length. Last summer, he worked with Glamorgan`s coaches, cutting down his run up to nine or ten paces. A winter with the E.C.B. Academy, under the eye of Rodney Marsh, rounded things off, and Simon`s reward has been a place in the England squad for the Second Test against Sri Lanka.

"I've come back from the Academy a lot more confident in my ability," he said. "I have had problems in the past with injuries, but last season I shortened my approach to the wicket. I then took it to Australia and was bowling just as fast. Rod Marsh was impressed with it."

"I've also altered my action slightly and it's working really well at the moment and I'm waking up after games feeling not as stiff as I used to be. A lot of people, including Duncan Fletcher when he was at Glamorgan, John Derrick, Geoff Arnold and Marshy have helped me over the years. Of course, my dad has helped too and it's great to think that I could be following in his footsteps by playing in Test cricket for England."

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