County cricket: Gloucestershire appoint Geraint Jones as new captain
Tuesday 28 October 2014 08:45, UK
Former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has joined Gloucestershire on a two-year contract and been appointed the club’s captain.
Jones, who arrives after leaving Kent at the end of last season, will replace the Australian opener Michael Klinger – who does not arrive until June next season - as skipper in the Championship.
After losing his first team place to rising star Sam Billings at Kent, Jones, 38, enjoyed a successful loan spell at Gloucestershire last summer. He played in three Division Two matches in the County Championship and two NatWest T20 Blast matches, scoring 186 runs.
The highlight was a knock of 93 in the nine-wicket Division Two victory against Leicestershire in June – and it is with the bat rather than the gloves that Gloucestershire hope he will shine. Gareth Roderick will remain the first-choice keeper.
Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: "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.
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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.
"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."
Excited
Jones added: "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."
Jones made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2004 and was part of the England side that reclaimed the Ashes in thrilling fashion a year later. His 34 Tests yielded 1,172 runs, including one century and six fifties, 128 catches and five stumpings.
He also played in 49 one-day internationals for England and has represented Papua New Guinea, the country of his birth, in recent years.
Jones has scored 8,615 runs in 193 first-class cricket matches at an average of 32.5, with 15 centuries and 46 fifties. He has also taken 586 catches and made 36 stumpings.
