Kent wicket-keeper Geraint Jones has signed for their County Championship Division Two rivals Gloucestershire on an four-week loan deal.

Experienced gloveman Jones, an Ashes winner with England in 2005, has enjoyed 13 seasons at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, spending much of that time as the first choice option behind the stumps.

This season, however, the 37-year-old has found himself behind 22-year-old Sam Billings in the pecking order, with the youngster looking set to be first choice to keep in all forms of the game this year for Kent.

Despite a number of impressive performances for the Kent 2nd XI in recent weeks, Jones has been unable to displace Billings in the first team, with the youngster impressing with both the gloves and the bat so far.

Gloucestershire, who completed a 290-run win over Kent on Wednesday, saw their wicket-keeper Gareth Roderick leave the field on day three of the game with a broken finger, which is expected to keep him out for up to six weeks.

Billings, incidentally, top-scored in Kent’s first innings of the game with 42, before making his maiden County Championship half-century with 67 in the second innings.

They also have Cameron Herring as another choice behind the stumps; Herring having been allowed to take Roderick’s place for the remainder of the game.

Commenting on his signing, Geraint Jones said: “I am excited for the opportunity that lies ahead for the next four weeks and look forward to contributing to the success of Gloucestershire Cricket whilst I am there.”

Gloucestershire’s Director of Cricket, John Bracewell, added: “With the knock to Gareth Roderick’s hand – who will be out of cricket up to 5/6 weeks – the pressure to play all forms of the game is taking a physical and mental toll on young Cameron Herring. The selection group have therefore requested assistance in the wicketkeeper/batsman area.

“Geraint will be a great foil for our middle order batting and his experience behind the stumps will be of great value to our fielding and bowling groups.

“This is a vital 4 week period for the club’s season and we must maintain momentum after our last performance against Kent.”

Jones, who has 190 First Class appearances to his name and has a batting average of 32.36, is set to play in all forms of the game for Gloucestershire during his time with the county and should make his debut for the side in their County Championship game against Derbyshire on Sunday.

However, Jones will not be allowed to play for Gloucestershire against Kent in the T20 clash at Canterbury on Friday 30th May.

Over the course of his career, the Papua New Guinea born international has played a total of more than 300 List A and T20s, as well as playing in 85 international matches, both for England and PNG.

 

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