GERAINT JONES wicket-keeper; right hand batsman

FACTFILE DOB: 14.07.76 Team: Kent Test debut: v West Indies, Antigua 2004 ODI debut: v West Indies, Trent Bridge 2004

Born in New Guinea to Welsh parents, Geraint Jones grew up and learned his cricket in Australia before moving to England.

After a brief spell with Glamorgan, he eventually moved to Kent where he ousted veteran wicket-keeper Paul Nixon in 2003.

He jumped up the pecking order of England stumpers after catching the selectors' eye with nearly 1,000 runs at an average of 44.77 over the summer.

A late arrival to the international scene, Jones has lost the initial battle with Chris Read for the right to stand behind the stumps this winter.

He had to cancel a holiday to Cyprus with his girlfriend and her family after being "shocked" to get the call from the England selectors.