Kent keeper honoured by accolade

Jones concedes life will be tougher in Division One next year

Kent wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has said he is very honoured to have been named the county's player of the year.

The 33-year-old had had the best season of his career, scoring five centuries.

"Over the winter time this is what I was working towards," Jones told BBC Radio Kent. "I practised batting for long periods of time.

"To get the player of the season is a huge honour and once my name's engraved on that trophy I can come back in future years and be very proud."

He added: "I think first game I got 100 and from there it just kept on flowing. Each time I went out there the confidence was flowing so it was fantastic."

A year after being relegated for the first time in their history, Jones helped Kent win promotion back to Division One of the County Championship at the first attempt.

But Jones, who now bats at number three, admitted he will be facing tougher opposition next season.

"In the first division you're facing the likes of Harmison, Onions and Plunkett in one team.

"That wasn't what we were up against this year in the second division, so batting-wise I do predict it will be a lot tough next year.

"We have to look at our bowling stocks, and that's something over the off-season we have to strengthen and to work on, because you have to bowl sides out as in the first division there's some seriously good batters.

Whereas this year we were maybe able to get away with it a little bit, next year we have to make sure we're right on the ball

Geraint Jones

"Whereas this year we were maybe able to get away with it a little bit, next year we have to make sure we're right on the ball with bat and ball."

With his impressive form this season, combined with Matt Prior's recent illness, there has been speculation that it may lead to an England recall for the Kent gloveman.

But despite admitting he still harbours England ambitions, Jones' hopes for next season remain simple.

"I just want to be consistent again next year, like I have been this year. But that's something I'll start to think about with my training when I've had a few weeks off," he said.