Jones turns to oxygen chamber for Test fitness

The Welsh fast bowler, whose five first-innings wickets at Trent Bridge last week took his tally in the series to 18, at an average of 21, was able to bowl only four overs in the second innings before limping off with a worrying ankle injury and has since received intensive treatment.

Speaking on BBC Radio yesterday, Jones, who is being incarcerated twice daily in a hyperbaric chamber, explained: "I'll just have to see what the specialists say. But I've still got another week, which is a long time. I'll get as much treatment as I can on it and touch wood - I'm touching my head - I'll be all right."

Hyperbaric oxygen chambers are used in the treatment of certain sports injuries and London Scottish rugby club were at the forefront of their use more than a decade ago. They can increase the oxygen supply to the injured part of the body and thus speed up the recovery process.

While in the chamber, Jones will be breathing 100 per cent oxygen, compared to the 21 per cent oxygen and 79 per cent nitrogen found in normal air.

Hampshire's Chris Tremlett is the man most likely to step into Jones' boots and yesterday he said: "Simon has had this ankle problem over the last couple of games and it's obviously got worse as the last Test wore on. But he's got 10 days to recover between Tests and you never know. I'm ready if the call comes. I feel pretty good and I've worked hard on my bowling, so hopefully if I do get a chance it will all come together and I can help maintain the strong team performances of this summer."

The Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has been accentuating the positive to lift his team-mates. Two thunderous spells from Lee last week reaped three wickets, while leg-spinner Shane Warne bagged 4 for 31 to ensure another tense finale.

"It has a huge bearing on what can happen when we put England under pressure," Lee said. "When we went out in the afternoon our mental approach and the way we were hunting in packs was excellent.

"We can take away the fact we have put them under the pump and they have crumbled to a certain extent. The energy out there was back to what it was when Australia are playing their best. We have seen it in periods on this tour but it was a flawless effort."