BATTER Rob Jones is counting down the days to when he joins up with Worcestershire on a full-time basis.
Jones made a big impact when on loan from Lancashire to Worcestershire for the Metro Bank One Day Cup during August.
The number three batter was the Rapids second highest scorer in the tournament with 366 runs behind One-Day Cup captain, Jake Libby (397).
A memorable century against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road was followed by 53 versus Derbyshire and 67 in the narrow quarter-final defeat by Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.
Jones quickly fitted in with his new team-mates at New Road and is looking forward to the start of pre-season training when the players report back on November 13.
He said: “I can’t wait to get going. I absolutely loved being with Worcestershire for the One Day Cup.
“It was absolute class and the lads were great. I did alright, scored some runs and helped the club get to the quarter-finals, and we went so close to winning that game.
“I am buzzing to start on November 13 and start preparing with everyone for Division One in the County Championship. I really can’t wait.
“I kept an eye on every day of the promotion push all the way through September, following every session, and it was great to see the boys get over the finishing line.
“I’ve had a bit of time off, been up in Scotland for a while.
“But then it will be a case of getting back into it, and hopefully I can find a place down in Worcester with my partner and then go from there.”
Jones has now recovered from the 418-kilometre bike ride he undertook over three days from London to Paris to raise money for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.
He said: “I didn’t do a lot of training for it but plenty of running so I felt fit and it is such a good cause.
“The PCT look after anyone that has been a pro cricketer, or is a pro cricketer, someone who is ill they will pay for treatment, and make sure funds are is there for them.
“When times get really tough they are there for people. They are an amazing charity.”
Jones, who turned 28 today, has signed a three-year contract with Worcestershire until the end of the 2026 season.
