WORCESTERSHIRE'S talented youngster Richard Jones has been forced to withdraw from England's Under 19 World Cup cricket squad.

Jones, a bowling all-rounder, was due to travel to Sri Lanka in February but has suffered throughout the winter with a back strain. He signed his first 12-month contract with the County in September.

Steve Rhodes, Worcestershire's director of cricket, said: "Richard's selection for the World Cup was well-deserved recognition of his talent. We were obviously disappointed to learn that he will be unable to compete but we have been looking at slightly remodelling Richard's bowling action in an effort to minimise any further strain which might have been placed on his back.

"He has been practising walk-through drills and we fully expect him to have completed his rehabilitation by the start of the 2006 season," said Rhodes.