England Put Jones Comeback On Hold

The Glamorgan paceman has struggled with a side strain ever since he made his debut against India at Lord's in July and is yet to bowl at full capacity since England's arrival in Perth.

The tourists' management thought about including Jones in their XI for the festival match tomorrow, but instead decided to give him more rest although they will be allowed to use bowlers outside the XI as part of their build-up.

It could mean Jones and Yorkshire off-spinner Richard Dawson, who has also been overlooked for the starting XI, bowling a few overs to help reduce the pressure on England's only four recognised bowlers - Ashley Giles, Andrew Caddick, Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard.

Alec Stewart has been given the gloves for his return to the ground where he featured for many years playing grade cricket for Midland Guildford, but understudy James Foster has also been included as a batsman.

Michael Vaughan has been overlooked while he continues his recovery from knee surgery while all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was similarly left out following his hernia operation at the end of the summer.

Main spearhead Darren Gough was also omitted as he continues his rehabilitation following his lengthy lay-off with knee problems although he was bowling at nearly full pace during today's net practice at the WACA.

England: Hussain, Trescothick, Key, Butcher, Crawley, Stewart, Foster, Giles, Caddick, Hoggard, Harmison.