Jones' return gives boost to England A and seniors grounds for optimism

The Glamorgan fast bowler Simon Jones showed signs that he is regaining his form and fitness with three wickets in England A's tour match against Tamil Nadu.

Jones has not played for the full England side since he ruptured knee ligaments during the first Ashes Test in Brisbane in November 2002, but yesterday he was in fine form, claiming 3 for 47 as England's attack helped make this four-day match competitive.

He first removed the opener Sivaramakrishnan Vidyut for 48, caught by Bilal Shafayat, and then bowled Sunil Viswanathan for a first-ball duck.

His final victim of the day was Seethraman Ganesh Kumar, caught by Scott Newman for 10, leaving the hosts on 272 for 6 at stumps on day two. Kuthethurshri Vasudevadas ended the day on 78 not out.

England added 20 runs to their overnight score before being bowled out for 368, the captain, James Tredwell, making a creditable, unbeaten 33.

Worcestershire's Steven Davies hit an unbeaten 78 as England opened their campaign at the Under-19 World Cup with an eight-wicket win over Nepal.

Davies shared in a stand of 124 with Essex's Ravinder Bopara, who made 59, as England reached their target with seven overs to spare in Chittagong. Samit Patel was also unbeaten on 35.

Nepal scored 191 for 8 from their 50 overs with Durham's Liam Plunkett (2 for 45) and the Glamorgan seamer Adam Harrison (2 for 31) the pick of the England bowlers.