England paceman Jones out of Sri Lanka series

LONDON, May 5 (Reuters) England pace bowler Simon Jones will miss the test and one-day series against Sri Lanka with a knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board said today.

The Glamorgan bowler injured his left knee in a C&G Trophy Match with Ireland on Monday and will be out of action for at least six weeks, adding to England's injury woes.

ECB chief medical officer, Dr Peter Gregory, said in a statement: ''Simon had an MRI scan and his injury was reviewed by his orthopaedic specialist yesterday.

''The view of this specialist is that Simon sustained a new injury to his knee, which has damaged the cartilage surface of the joint.

''Simon will be required to rest the knee for six weeks and will then be reassessed. If the knee does not respond to rest he may need to undergo further surgery.'' Jones joins spinner Ashley Giles, ruled out after hernia surgery, captain Michael Vaughan (knee) and fast bowlers Steve Harmison (shin) and James Anderson (back).

The first test starts at Lord's on May 11. England play Pakistan in a series starting in July.

REUTERS PG KP1704