Jones to sign for Worcestershire

Worcestershire are set to announce the signing of the injury-plagued England bowler Simon Jones within the next 48 hours.

The 28-year-old has given the Pears a strong indication that he is willing to move to New Road from Glamorgan on a two-year contract and his signing is expected to be announced tomorrow.

Jones, 28, played a major part in England's Ashes win over Australia in 2005 but has struggled with injury since, making just four championship appearances for Glamorgan last season.

Another England bowler with injury problems, Steve Harmison, is set to play two first-class matches in South Africa next month as he seeks to build his fitness ahead of the Test series in Sri Lanka. Harmison is expected to travel to Africa under the eye of bowling coach Ottis Gibson to play for Highveld Lions, but the exact arrangements have yet to be finalised.

The Durham man has not played for England since suffering a hernia injury during the summer Test series against West Indies.

Elsewhere, Derbyshire have announced the signing of all-rounder Rikki Clarke from Surrey. Clarke, who has played two Tests for England, has signed a two-year contract and been named captain by the county.

The 26-year-old has also played 20 one-day internationals, making his last appearance for England in September 2006.

Surrey have handed 19-year-old Chris Jordan a two-year professional contract. Jordan had signed a two-year summer contract at the end of the 2006 season but impressed sufficiently to be offered an improved deal.