Geraint Jones Signs To Captain Gloucestershire
27 October 2014
Gloucestershire Cricket is delighted to announce that former Kent and England wicketkeeper, Geraint Jones, has signed for Gloucestershire on a two-year contract.
Geraint, 38, 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 the Club while still at Kent this summer, which finished early due to 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 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.
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.
“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.”
Geraint 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.”
Michael Klinger said "' I was delighted to hear that Gloucestershire was able to sign a player of Geraint's calibre and experience. I think he will be a fantastic addition to the squad and his knowledge of the game will be great for our young players to learn from."
"He fitted in the dressing room very well when he was on loan last season and produced some excellent performances.I'm looking forward to joining the club in June and assisting Geraint in any way he needs in helping the club have success."
