Welsh paceman Jones has not played for England since a chain of injuries linking back to the penultimate match of the 2-1 Test victory over Australia in 2005.

"It's such a great feeling," said Jones, who has thrived since a winter switch from Glamorgan to Worcestershire. "I've worked hard all season really, so it is nice to know the selectors have taken some notice."

He added: "On your bad days, you do think slightly negatively sometimes but the way the season started and the new lease of life I have had at Worcester has really got me going into my cricket again.

"My lowest point was probably last year when things were going wrong.

"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."

That was undoubtedly during that 2005 campaign when Jones' ability to reverse swing the ball allied to natural pace accounted for 18 Australian wickets at 21 runs apiece before he broke down, halfway through the penultimate match.

Having formed a revered 'fab four' with Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard during that summer, Jones has been consigned to the role of frustrated spectator since as first those three and more recently a new-look attack have carried English victory hopes.

"It is very hard but sport is a cruel thing sometimes," said Jones, who has played just 18 Tests since a debut six years ago. "You have to keep positive in your own mind, keep your head down and keep working hard."