Richard Jones: Warwickshire sign fast bowler from Worcestershire

Warwickshire have bolstered their run-down bowling ranks by signing out-of-favour Worcestershire paceman Richard Jones for the rest of the season.

The Bears, who had already lost injured pair Chris Wright and Oliver Hannon-Dalby for the season, have Chris Woakes and Boyd Rankin away on England duty.

And they have had both Rikki Clarke and Keith Barker receiving treatment during their current game with Somerset.

They now turn to Jones, 26, on a loan deal for the final month of the season.

"Richard joins at a key time of the season, as we look to push forward in the County Championship," said coach Dougie Brown.

"He is a very exciting fast bowler. With Chris Woakes and Boyd Rankin currently away on international duty, Richard will provide invaluable support."

The Stourbridge-born paceman has taken just one Championship wicket this summer, on his only appearance for Worcestershire at Southampton back in April.

But, in total, he has taken 133 first-class wickets in 44 appearances during seven, injury-disrupted seasons at Worcester - his best return being 38 scalps in the promotion-winning team of 2010.

Jones, who signed a new two-year deal with Worcestershire last year tying him to the county until 2014, will be available for the Bears' four remaining Championship matches.

He will also be eligible for their one remaining YB40 fixture at home to Northants at Edgbaston on Monday, when he will be expected to make his debut.