Former Kent wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has signed for Gloucestershire on a two-year contract as captain of the side.

The 38 year old who has played in 34 Test Matches and 49 One-Day Internationals, will be employed as a specialist batsman and Captain in four-day cricket.

He had a successful loan spell with Gloucestershire while still at Kent this summer, which finished early due to an eye injury.

During that loan, as cover for injured wicketkeepers Gareth Roderick and Cameron Herring, Geraint played in three LV= County Championship matches, scoring 93 in the victory over Leicestershire at Grace Road.

He also appeared in two NatWest T20 Blast games, hitting 37 in the second of them against Glamorgan at the Bristol County Ground.

An Ashes winner with England in 2005, having made his Test debut in Antigua in April 2004, Geraint will bring a depth of experience to the Gloucestershire squad as well as the ability which has seen him score 8,615 first class runs at an average of 32.5, with 15 centuries and 46 fifties.

He also boasts 3,288 runs in 200 List A games and 1,312 runs in 113 Twenty20 appearances, while his wicketkeeping career has seen him take 586 catches and 36 stumpings in first class cricket.

He was made an MBE in 2006 for his role in the 2005 Ashes series.

Speaking about the move to Bristol, Jones revealed he will stay living in Kent, but is looking forward to working with his new side:

“Firstly, I’d like to thank Kent County Cricket Club for the fantastic 15 seasons I spent with them. I learnt a huge amount there and without the opportunities they gave me I never would have had the career that I have.”

“Following an enjoyable month on loan with Gloucestershire during 2014, I am excited to be joining the Club on a full time basis and for the challenges that lie ahead.”

“They have a great set up here and I am looking forward to taking on the role as four-day Captain and to working in tandem with Michael Klinger. This is a young and talented squad and I relish the opportunity of working with them and to playing a part in their future development.”

“I also look forward to working with John Bracewell and his coaching team. They impressed me greatly during my loan period so the chance to work full time with them I know will have big benefits.”

Gloucestershire Director of Cricket John Bracewell added: “With Michael Klinger not re-joining us until June next year, Geraint will captain the team in four-day cricket for the 2015 season. We have spoken to Michael about that and he is comfortable with it.”

“We intend using Geraint as a batsman and his presence on the field will be invaluable in offering advice and assistance to our young bowling attack.”

Meanwhile, Jones will head out to Australia on Saturday to join up with his Papua New Guinea team-mates ahead of two One Day Internationals against Hong Kong along with a three day match.