GLAMORGAN skipper Steve James has backed fast bowler Simon Jones (pictured) to do the business if he makes his expected Test debut against India at Lord's tomorrow.

Earlier this campaign, when Jones had not been among the wickets but was chosen for the England squads for two Sri Lanka Tests, both James and club coach John Derrick expressed reservations about his readiness.

But injuries to England's party mean Jones will almost certainly make his debut tomorrow, and James said: "I have no qualms about his readiness now. "He has learned a lot about himself and about his bowling this season and he's raring to go.

"He has the raw pace to trouble anyone and lets hope he shakes India up a bit." Jones opened the bowling for the first time this season in Monday's championship win over Gloucestershire, but James said he will have no trouble starting with the new ball for his country.

"He hasn't any problem opening the bowling. We didn't use him in that capacity until the last match simply because we were trying to look after him a little bit.

"But he has bowled well both with the wind and into it and he has the right attitude and is full of confidence."

He has also been in excellent form recently, taking 4-67 in Gloucestershire's second innings, 4-72 in the second innings of the previous match against Nottinghamshire and 5-28 in the game against Essex.

Meanwhile, Owen Parkin, Alex Wharf and Newport opener Ian Thomas were added to the Glamorgan squad for today's game against Essex at Chelmsford.

Jones is on Test duty, Mike Kasprowicz has a minor hamstring problem, and Andrew Davies has a side strain. None of them was considered.

Thomas was unfortunate to be left out of the Gloucestershire game after top scoring on aggregate with 89 against Nottinghamshire.

James explained : "Dan Cherry had been told he would get a run as opener and as we wanted to play two spinners at Cheltenham because we thought it would turn, Ian was the player omitted.

"He accepted it well. He's a good lad with the right attitude and is now back in contention."

Glamorgan got off to a flier against Essex - largely due to paceman Alex Wharf, who has not been a regular in the side this season.

He grabbed three early wickets as Essex slumped to 38-3 after winning the toss and electing to bat.

He bowled opener William Jefferson, had Aftab Habib caught and bowled Zimbabwe batsman Andy Flower.

But Darren Robinson and Ronnier Irani steadied the ship.