Sussex's batsmen will face a rejuvenated Simon Jones when they step up their pre-season preparations at Hove today.

Jones, 28, is due to make his first appearance for 11 months when the champions take on Glamorgan in a 50-overs friendly (10.45).

The England bowler had surgery on his left knee last May and has been running up and down the stands at the Millennium Stadium as part of his fitness regime.

He said: "I'm back to bowling at full pace occasionally. I hit 79mph off three steps last week and I'll be back bowling at 90mph soon.

"I'm confident now as my knee feels strong. I've no negative demons. I'm probably in the best nick of my life.

"But I've worked flat out. I employed a personal trainer, who has had me doing endurance work on sand dunes and running up the stands at the Millennium Stadium as well as boxing.

"Those fun and unconventional methods have prevented me from going stir crazy. Now I feel fitter and stronger than ever, physically and mentally."

Sussex are short of full strength with overseas trio Mushtaq Ahmed, Rana Naved and Murray Goodwin not due to arrive until next week.

And coach Mark Robinson has yet to decide whether Saqlain Mushtaq will continue his build-up in the nets and the gym or in the middle.

Robinson said: "Saqlain is not going to be available for the England A game next week so we're not sure yet how many of the friendlies he will play."

Sussex face Glamorgan again on Tuesday before two days of action against Northamptonshire, also at Hove.

Robinson added: "It's a big week for us because we are building up to Lord's and the first Championship game is not far away now."

Robin Martin-Jenkins had two stitches in a hand injury sustained on the pre-season trip to Dubai and Jason Lewry has been laid low by a sickness bug but both are expected to play some part against Glamorgan.

Meanwhile, Sussex will be monitoring events in Pakistan this week where the new national coach is expected to be named.

Mushtaq took over during the latter stages of Pakistan's ill-fated World Cup campaign following the death of Bob Woolmer and is sure to come under consideration for the top job.