FORMER Ashes hero Simon Jones hopes to help Glamorgan win silverware as he returns for the Welsh county in their T20 clash with Essex in Cardiff tonight (7.10pm start).

The ex-England fast bowler, an instrumental figure in 2005’s famous 2-1 Test series victory over Australia, is back on a one-month loan from Hampshire which was given the go-ahead by the England and Wales Cricket Board yesterday.

The 32-year-old is relishing the opportunity of playing for Glamorgan once again and can’t wait for this evening’s showdown at the Swalec Stadium.

“It’s good to be back,” Jones, said. “I had my first training session yesterday and it was good to see the boys in the changing room and have a good laugh before getting down to some hard work.”

Jones, who battled back from a potentially career-threatening injury and has played in 18 Tests for England, said Glamorgan, who are currently mid table, can go on and win the T20 competition.

“I don’t see why they can’t,” the Swansea-born ace said.

“I think they’ve got the talent to and they’ve got all the bases covered.

“Sometimes in Twenty20 it’s not the best team who wins but the one that is most consistent.”

On being asked if he wanted to return permanently to Glamorgan in the near future, Jones said he hadn’t ruled it out.

“I am just going to play it by ear now and not look beyond playing some cricket and enjoying being back on the park.

“But who knows?

“Hants have said I can play in four-day games as well so I’m just glad to get the opportunity.”

Jones has played in just one County match and five CB40 games this season for Hampshire.

He hasn’t given up hope of playing for England again, although he admits his Test match days might be behind him.

“I would like to play at the highest level again but I’m trying not too look to far ahead. But Test cricket, I don’t know,” he said.

And he said he is pumped up for tonight’s match: “I am slightly nervous but you have to be up for a game. I’m really looking forward to it.”