Head Coach Jimmy Adams confirmed wicketkeeper Geraint Jones will lead the side in James Tredwell’s absence throughout the forthcoming season.

As revealed in Jones’ latest blog, the 36 year old will deputise for Tredwell whilst he is away on international duty starting on Thursday as Kent head to the Ageas Bowl for two days of cricket against Hampshire.

With Tredwell still on England duty in New Zealand, Jones will lead out the side for what is expected to be two one day games against Hampshire as Kent begin their pre-season schedule with Adams confirming at the club’s press day that the keeper was the ideal stand in for the new Kent captain:

“We have spoken about the options that are going to be available within the group if, and when, Jimmy is away on international duty.

“We have asked Geraint to basically stand in his stead if he’s not available for selection.”

“We’ve backed that up, and I think it’s just as important, by making sure we have a core group of senior players who understand there’s a lot that’s going to be asked of them, as it’s likely Jimmy will be missing a few games at various points in the season.”

“I’m very happy with where we’re at both in terms of the commitment from Geraint and from the core group of senior players who understand the role they have to play as and when the captain is away on international duty.”

“As a club we are hoping he will play international cricket and as a club you have to be prepared for it. We certainly would like him to play as much international cricket as he can.”

Meanwhile, Jones told KSN how he was happy to be helping out his close friend and would be doing all he could to take the side on in his absence:

“It’s something I did last year with Keysey and it will be a very similar role. Myself and Treddy will be doing it now and my role is to help him out and make it as smooth as it can be for when he is away.”

With Tredwell over in New Zealand, Jones revealed that the two had been in regular contact over the past few weeks to talk through plans for the forthcoming season:

“We’ve exchanged a few emails and I’ve told him that I want to help him out as much as I can. I think it’s important that I have all the information so I can do that and we will be keeping the communication lines open as much as we possibly can, because when he’s not here, he can still have a huge amount of passion for what’s happening at the club.”

“He’s given me his thoughts on things and that way we can keep things the same throughout the year so it’s not disruptive for the squad if I am captain or he is.”

Jones went on to explain the club would be looking at possibly playing two one day games against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl beginning on Thursday.