Kevin Pietersen earns Jones praise
30/12/2011
Kevin Pietersen's support has been praised by former England fast bowler Simon Jones, who said the South African-born batsman talked him out of retiring.
Jones, whose career has been blighted by knee problems, has just rejoined his native county Glamorgan to play one-day matches and he paid tribute to his "brilliant" friend for encouraging him not to give up.
He said: "A lot of people misunderstand him as a person but I know him very well and he is a genuine honest bloke.
"It was tough but he always told me to keep believing."
Fans keen to enjoy hospitality packages at Trent Bridge for the Test match against the West Indies next summer may not see Jones in action, but they can expect to see Pietersen.
The Nottingham ground was the scene of the Welshman's last Test, when his five-wicket haul in the first innings caused Australia to follow-on and helped secure the victory that ultimately clinched the Ashes.
By Ted Walker
