ASHES hero Simon Jones has been forced to withdraw from the England Lions squad due to face South Africa in a one-day match at Leicester tomorrow.

Worcestershire seamer Jones was due to report for England duty for the first time since 2005 following a series of injuries which have sidelined him for most of the last three years.

It was thought to be Jones’ chance to impress the selectors before they consider their final squad for the Champions Trophy and the tour to India later this year.

But Jones, who has claimed 52 Championship wickets in only nine matches since moving to Worcestershire this season, has been forced to withdraw with a slight hamstring strain and will be replaced in the squad by Gloucestershire’s Steve Kirby.

Jones is expected to be out for a week with this latest minor problem.

South Africa face England’s emerging players twice in limited-overs contests this week in preparation for the five-match NatWest Series.

Kent captain Robert Key leads the side in the first of the matches, at Grace Road, while Ed Joyce is in charge for the second on Saturday at Derby.

Five of England’s NatWest squad, including wicketkeeper Matt Prior will face off against the South Africans in the opening contest.