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WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Steve Rhodes was very close to naming Simon Jones in the team to play against Northamptonshire.

The Welshman has been out since the opening day of the season with a neck injury and the New Road chief said the 29-year-old is now looking good for Bank Holiday Monday's Friends Provident Trophy match at New Road against his former county Glamorgan.

"I was tempted to put Simon in - he was very close," said Rhodes.

"But he was still not quite right. He had a bowl in the morning and maybe had it rained all day and we hadn't started then perhaps he may have played.

"Simon has been named as 12th man in this match so he will play some part - he just won't get to bowl. But this gives Chris Whelan a great opportunity."

Rhodes said that Jones has been frustrated by this injury setback but is relishing his return.

"It has been dragging along a little bit and Simon is very frustrated by it all," Rhodes said. "It would be great for Simon to make his return against his former County."

Worcestershire were frustrated on the opening day of the LVCC Division Two match at Northamptonshire with rain and bad light playing havoc once again.

The hosts won the toss and opted to bat, but that decision back-fired quickly as Kabir Ali had Alex Wakely caught behind by Steven Davies for a duck in the first over.

But after 9.1 overs at Wantage Road, the heavens opened and no further play was possible until 4.45pm.

Worcestershire were only able to bowl another eight balls when bad light brought play to a close.

Meanwhile, Matt Mason's return has been held by the weather.

The Australian-born seamer was set to play for Worcestershire Second XI today against the MCC Young Cric-keters at Bromsgrove School, but rain meant that no play was possible.

"Matt needs to bowl," Rhodes said. "Unfortunately, the rain stopped him today."

5:53pm Wednesday 30th April 2008

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