Geraint Jones Awarded Benefit

Kent County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that Geraint Jones has been awarded a Benefit in 2012.

The wicket-keeper batsman made his debut for Kent in 2001 against Somerset, aged 25. He excelled in his role, playing attacking cricket and contributing much to the Club’s successes. Geraint has played 116 first class matches for Kent, scoring 5747 runs, at an average of 34.88. He has scored 14 hundreds and 27 fifties. As a keeper he has taken 335 catches and 27 stumpings.

The highlight of his exceptional career would be his time with England. He played 34 times for his country, scoring 1172 at an average of 23.91 – he scored a hundred against New Zealand in 2004 at Headingley. The following year Geraint was a key member of the 2005 Ashes winning team, for which he received an MBE.

Joneswas named Kent Player of the Year for 2009, for his consistent displays, and continues to impress. He has made an outstanding contribution to county and international cricket, and has remained loyal to Kent Cricket throughout his professional career.

Earlier this week, Jones was confirmed as Kent Cricket vice-captain for the remainder of the current season. Kent Spitfires won their first match under Jones’ leadership on Tuesday night, when he took over the captaincy in the absence of Rob Key through injury.

Geraint Jones reacted to the announcement, stating; “I am extremely pleased to have been awarded a Benefit for 2012; it is an honour to be awarded this by my county. I am very proud of being a Kent player for over 10 years and am looking forward to a successful 2012."

Kent Cricket, Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace commented on the announcement; “I am very pleased the Club have awarded Geraint a benefit. He has been, and continues to be a very loyal and committed person, both on and off the field. He deserves this accolade for some fantastic performances and also his continued off the field support for the Club in all aspects.”

Kent Chairman of Cricket, Graham Johnson also noted that; “This is thoroughly deserved. Geraint Jones has delivered as a Kent player, which led to him playing for England, but has always kept his feet on the ground. He plays a full part in Kent Cricket both on and off the field.”

Tomorrow, Friday 26^thAugust, Geraint Jones will captain Kent Spitfires in their match against the world cup winning one-day Indian team at the St Lawrence Ground, in front of a crowd of around 7,000 spectators.