It was strange meeting up with Simon Jones last Thursday.

This was, you may remember, the first day of the second test in Adelaide.

And as we talked about the events of the previous night (which, remarkably, had gone exceptionally well for England, with Michael Vaughan making a magnificent century), discussing with his father Jeff as to whether Vaughan had been 'caught' by Justin Langer, I couldn't help thinking how terribly hurt Simon must have been inside.

He should have been playing in that match after all.

He certainly did not show it though, but deep down it must have been tearing him apart.

In fact, at the meeting arranged by Dean Conway, the England physio who flew out to join the party last Sunday, I could not help but be mightily impressed with Simon's attitude.

Also present were Glamorgan coach John Derrick and physio Erjan Mustafa and they all commented on it afterwards. Simon's attitude only spoke of positiveness.

There was nothing negative or bitter about it, no moping, just the acceptance of fate's cruel hand and of the immense challenge ahead.

The meeting was called in order to determine where the operation should take place and by whom, as well as how the extensive and drawn out rehabilitation process should be managed.

That has all now been settled upon and Simon is having the operation next Monday, up in Sheffield.

Myself and John told Simon to forget about next season. We said that we were not expecting him to play for us and if he did so then it would be a bonus.

The medical advice we have received is that the biggest problem with this type of injury is the tendency to rush back too early, causing long term, often career threatening complications.

If Simon misses a whole season of cricket it will not be the end of the world. He is only 23 and has many seasons ahead of him. There is no logic to jeopardising that now.

I was amazed how fit and well he looked last week.

He was walking fine, without the aid of crutches, and there was no swelling to be seen at all on his knee.

But, of course, if he had attempted any lateral movement whatsoever then it would have been a different story.

And it will be a different story next Tuesday, when there will be swelling and discomfort after the operation.

That is when the long road will begin for Simon. But if his attitude continues to be as positive and as determined as it has been so far then he will prevail. I am sure of that.

How England could do with his bouncy enthusiasm now. Their mood could not be darker.

Misfortune after misfortune is befalling them, some of their own making, others just sheer bad luck.

Why is that whenever England go to Australia that there are so many injuries and therefore so many call ups?

Going Down Under to play club cricket when there is an Ashes series on is one of the better career moves a young English professional cricketer can make.

I don't know why I never thought of that.

Paul Collingwood is the latest beneficiary of this, although it has to be said that he was selected for the one day squad anyway, but Craig White was not and look where he is now.

It must be an awfully difficult job for Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain at the moment, trying to motivate a beleaguered and outclassed side against such an unforgiving and brilliant side as Australia.

As they begin the third test tonight they know that this is their last chance of staying in the Ashes as a competitive series.

They have nothing to lose so they must give it everything, shedding all inhibitions and inferiority complexes.

Vaughan showed the way in Adelaide with his brilliant, fearless batting. Others must follow his lead and make names for themselves.

I am hoping Robert Key will do that in Perth.

He was a little unlucky in Adelaide, especially in the first innings.

It is now fairly common knowledge that before the series began some book makers were offering attractive odds of 66-1 on England losing 5-0 and none of the tests reaching the last day.

I was actually informed of this at the time (by none other than a good friend of mine with lasting connections with Panteg CC) and while attracted to it I could not bring myself to place the bet through patriotic fervour.

Anyone at Chepstow Racecourse for Adrian Dale's recent benefit race day will vouch for gambling incompetence.

Looks like it has reared its ugly head again!