SIMON Jones believes signing for Hampshire can launch his bid to return to the England fold.

The Llanelli pace ace turned down the chance of a return to Glamorgan to sign a three-year deal at the Rose Bowl.

The seam bowler, who has not played for England since his Ashes heroics of 2005, left Worcestershire after yet another injury-wracked campaign this summer and has penned a deal at Hampshire that offers a fixed standard wage with 'pay-as-you-play' clauses.

"I feel that the Rose Bowl is a venue and a club where I can re-ignite my cricketing ambitions, and at the same time, bring home some silverware and success to such a forward-thinking club," he said.

Hampshire cricket manager Giles White added: "Obviously we are very excited to have signed Simon. He knows he has a hard winter ahead in terms of rehab to get his career back on track, he is a proven performer at both domestic and international level, and I'm sure he will prove to be a great signing for the club."