Jones was replaced by Chris Read as England wicketkeeper in 2006

Ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan says Kent wicketkeeper Geraint Jones will be back in England contention if he can reproduce last year's batting form.

Jones was part of Vaughan's 2005 Ashes-winning side but has not played for his country since being dropped in 2006.

"I hope he hasn't given up himself," Vaughan told BBC Radio Kent.

"I think Kent did him a great service last year giving him the opportunity to bat up the order at number three and he responded with a lot of runs."

Jones, 33, enjoyed a record season last year, scoring 1,291 runs in the County Championship, including five centuries.

The right-handed batsman also took 41 catches to help Kent secure the Division Two title.

"I'm a big fan of Geraint Jones," Vaughan admitted.

"If he can be consistent with the bat again and an opportunity does arise then I don't think he's out of the equation.

"England know what a good bloke he is and he's a good man to have in the team."

All Geraint can do is score as many runs as he can and catch the ball as well as he can for Kent and just wait and see if he gets another chance Michael Vaughan

Vaughan added: "He's got (Somerset's) Craig Kieswetter to fight with now because he's come in and done well.

"Matt Prior has been consistent with the bat and the gloves in both one-dayers and Test match cricket.

"But all Geraint can do is score as many runs as he can and catch the ball as well as he can for Kent and just wait and see if he gets another chance."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version