English paceman Jones ruled out of first Test

Nagpur, Feb 27 English paceman Simon Jones has been ruled out of the first Test against India that begins here Wednesday, dealing a further blow to the visiting team that has its captain and vice-captain also on the injured list.

Jones, who fell on his follow-through while bowling during the team's practice session here Monday morning, was diagnosed with a minor cartilage damage to his left knee and will now fly back home to consult a specialist.

The Glamorgan player's participation in the remainder of the three-Test series would be reassessed after the review by the specialist.

Skipper Michael Vaughan was Monday ruled out of the first Test after he failed to recover from a sore knee. Vaughan would also return home and his availability for the rest of the tour is also in doubt.

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff was set to lead the English team as vice-captain Marcus Trescothick had pulled out of the tour for personal reasons earlier Saturday.

Batsman Alistair Cook and fast bowler James Anderson joined the English squad as replacements here Monday while batsmen Owais Shah, called in for Trescothick, will join the team Tuesday morning.