Kent keeper Geraint Jones will return to the country of his birth and play for Papua New Guinea in the World Twenty20 qualifying tournament.

Jones will join up with the Papau New Guinea squad for a training camp in Canberra in February before trying to help them earn a place at the World T20 in the qualifiers in March. Both finalists of the tournament in Dubai will qualify for the main event in Sri Lanka in September.

Having been born in Kundiawa in the Chimbu Province of Papau New Guinea, Jones was raised in Australia before moving to Britain and gaining a contract with Kent in 2001.

Speaking exclusively to Kent Sports News about his decision to play for the country of his birth, Jones was excited about the prospect of helping out the younger players in the squad:

“When it was first a possibility a few months ago we had to look into whether it would impact with Kent as I didn’t want them to miss out financially.”

“Then it was just a case of getting clearance from the the club, the ECB and then the ICC to make sure it could all happen.”

“It does mean that I will miss Kent’s pre-season tour, but I spoke to Jimmy Adams on Monday night and he is more than happy for me to go as it’ll mean that I’m playing competitive cricket.”

Jones’ decision to go and play for Papua New Guinea doesn’t neccesarily spell the end of his England career, however he admitted that it was unlikely that he would play for them again:

“I’m going off to play for PNG knowing that as an associate member of the ICC that I could also play for England again, however I am keen to join up with them to see if I can help with the development of some of their younger players.”

“They have got some good talented youngsters coming through, with one lad having recently hit a century in the Australian Under 19 championship, so it will be a case of seeing what I can do to help them along further.”

“Whatever happens, I will be back in time to take my place in the Kent side for the Yorkshire game come April the 5th.”

His decision provides a major boost for Papau New Guinea and their general manager, Greg Campbell, was delighted at the news:

“I couldn’t believe it when Geraint contacted us,” Campbell said. “He is genuinely excited about coming to play and helping us achieve the dream of a world cup spot. He has played so many games at the highest level. His talent and experience will be incredibly valuable for us.”

Jones will join the PNG team, coached by Australian Brad Hogg, in time for a training camp in Canberra in February, immediately before its departure for Dubai.

PNG will be one of sixteen nations at the qualifying tournament which will compete for two spots at the World Twenty20 Cup in Sri Lanka this year.

The winner of the tournament will be pooled with Australia and West Indies, while the other finalist will be in a group with defending champions England and 2007 winners India.

PNG qualified through a regional tournament for the final qualifier in Dubai at which it will compete with ICC associates Afghanistan, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands and Scotland, and with other regional qualifiers comprising Namibia, Uganda, Bermuda, the United States, Hong Kong, Nepal, Oman, Denmark and Italy.

Papau New Guinea begin their World T20 qualifying campaign against Afghanistan on March 13.