Pietersen hopes to get Jones back in the swing

England captain Kevin Pietersen has identified fast bowler Simon Jones as the next man he wants to see hitting the comeback trail.

Jones has been plagued by knee injuries since playing an important role in the 2005 Ashes victory and his hopes of finally making an international return were put on hold again last month when he suffered cartilage damage.

Keyhole surgery means the 29-year-old Welshman is out of action for Worcestershire but Pietersen insists he will not be forgotten.

"I'm a huge Simon Jones fan," said Pietersen, whose reign as captain has been given a flying start by the return of Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison. "I'm a good mate of Simon's. I'm not as distraught as he is about the operation but I'm gutted because I wanted Simon to come to India. I want him involved again."

England, meanwhile, are hoping to complete a 5-0 clean sweep against South Africa when the NatWest series ends in Cardiff tomorrow.

"I'm sure the boys will be up for it because it's a big target to reach second in the world," said Pietersen.