Wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has had to cut short his loan spell with Gloucestershire due to an eye problem.

The 37 year old was set to extend his one month deal at Bristol after impressing in the past few weeks, however the Kent keeper has contracted an eye issue that is affecting his vision.

With fluid behind his retina and suffering with blurred vision, Jones is expecting to be out for a number of weeks yet and Gloucestershire’s Director of Cricket John Bracewell confirmed the keeper had returned to Kent and would be missed:

“He showed some excellent skills and leadership on the field. That’s something you can’t replace.”

“For a wicketkeeper to conduct a performance and help the captain out is essential.”

“Both of our wicketkeepers are very young and inexperienced in that regard.”

Having impressed with both the bat and gloves for Gloucestershire after playing Second Eleven cricket for Kent this summer, Jones expressed his disappointment at having to cut his loan short:

“I had a really great time with Gloucestershire and was really enjoying my cricket with everyone making me feel so welcome.”

“It was nice to be able to spend so much time out in the middle and I was looking forward to extending the current deal.”

Jones has found himself second choice to Sam Billings this season after keeping the gloves for over ten years at Kent and in his final season of this current contract, went out on loan with Gloucestershire needing a wicketkeeper after Gareth Roderick broke a finger.