New Delhi, December 7 (IANS). Simon Jones dazzled with his reverse swing in the 2005 Ashes series between Australia and England. During this period he played an important role in England’s win by taking 18 wickets at an average of 21 in 4 matches. Simon, 6 feet 3 inches tall, was a right-arm fast-medium bowler who had the exceptional ability to swing back. Simon was known for his quick pace, excellent line length and his style of constantly putting the batsmen under pressure. When Simon’s ball hit the pitch, it would come in quickly, confusing the batsman. Even though his journey was very short due to injuries, he left a deep impact in world cricket in just 2 years of international career. In the 2005 Ashes series, the first match between England and Australia was played at Lord’s, which Australia won by 239 runs. In this match, Simon took a total of 3 wickets in two innings. The English team was 0-1 behind in the series. In such a situation, the host team needed parity in the series. The second match of the series between the two countries was played in Birmingham, in which Simon played an important role in the victory by taking a total of 3 wickets. From here, both teams were tied at 1-1 in the series. The third match was played in Manchester, in which the English team gave a tough fight to Australia and tied the match. The English team scored 444 runs in the first innings of the match. In response, the Australian team were reduced to just 302 runs before the lethal bowling of Simon Jones. In this innings, Jones showed the magic of his reverse swing and took 6 wickets for 53 runs in 17.5 overs, which also included the wicket of Ricky Ponting. He took one wicket in the next innings. The fourth match of this series was held in Nottingham, in which Simon played an important role in England’s victory by taking a ‘five wicket’. England scored 477 runs in the first innings. In response, the Australian side were reduced to just 218 runs before Jones’ lethal bowling. Simon bowled 14.1 overs in this innings and took 5 wickets for 44 runs. It also included the wicket of Ricky Ponting. England had a lead of 259 runs on the basis of first innings. In such a situation, the Australian team was forced to play follow-on, but in this innings, the visiting team was restricted to only 387 runs. The Australian team had high expectations from captain Ricky Ponting, but he was run out and returned to the pavilion. England were given a target of 129 runs to win, which the team achieved by losing 7 wickets in 31.5 overs. Simon bowled only 4 overs in Australia’s second innings. England called on replacement fielder Gary Pratt to rest their main fast bowler, who ran out Ponting with a brilliant direct hit. At the time, Ponting was unhappy with England’s strategy, in which the team kept substitute fielders on the field to rest their main fast bowler, while according to the rules, the substitute fielder could only come on the field when a player was injured. Calling it against the spirit of the game, Ponting said: “If not Simon Jones, then all is well.” Actually, Ponting said if key players like Jones are out of the field, it is good, but it is not right to abuse the rules in this way. Ponting also complained about this to the match referee. Simon Jones was unable to play the final match of the series, which England drew and won the series 2-1. Simon Jones could only play 18 Test matches in his career and took 59 wickets at an average of 28.23. In addition, he took 7 wickets in 8 ODIs. –IANS RSG/