Worcs face fight with Derbys over Jones

By Paul Bolton

Worcestershire are trying to head off interest from Midlands rivals Derbyshire in their highly-regarded seamer Richard Jones.

The 25-year-old from Stourbridge is out of contract at New Road at the end of the season and is already the subject of a formal 28-day approach from Derbyshire.

Worcestershire are keen to keep Jones, a product of their youth system, and they have already opened talks with the player and his agent about a new deal.

But Jones has yet to commit himself to a new contract with Worcestershire and the 28-day ‘cooling off’ period that followed Derbyshire's written notification of their desire to speak to the player has now expired.

Derbyshire are now free to open contract talks with Jones themselves, although it is understood that they have not yet done so.

Jones has taken four five-wicket hauls in his career including a career-best of seven for 115 against Sussex at Hove two years ago.

He spent part of last winter playing first-class cricket in Zimbabwe as an overseas player with the Matabeleland Tuskers and started the new season with six wickets in the first innings of the defeat by Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

Jones is not expected to make a decision on his future until later in the season.

 

Date: 19/06/2012 23:05:16 by Paul Bolton
In: Worcestershire | Today | Derbyshire |