Geraint Jones to retire at the end of the season

Former Kent and England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has announced he will retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2015 season.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, 38, has stepped down as Gloucestershire club captain but remains available to play in all formats.

Jones, an Ashes winner with England in 2005, moved to Bristol from Kent on a two-year-deal in October 2014.

He said: “It’s been something I’ve been thinking about quite strongly in the last few weeks and I’ve come to the decision that this season will be my last as a cricket player.

“But it’s on a positive note that I’ve made the decision. Yes the family side has been a big consideration but ultimately it’s about what’s best for Gloucestershire Cricket and this squad.

“Over the last few weeks I felt there were guys who needed an opportunity and my place in the team was potentially that opportunity.

“I still want to play a big role in helping the team on and off the field but now is a chance for them to start to formulate the best way forward for this group of players and for Gloucestershire Cricket.”

Jones could return to Canterbury for a swansong in Kent’s final LV= County Championship match of the season at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence on September 14-17.

Kent Cricket CEO Jamie Clifford said: “It was a sad moment when we said goodbye to Geraint last year as he was a fantastic servant of the club.

“It speaks volumes of the man that he has made this decision in the interests of Gloucestershire.

“We wish him and his family all the best for the future.”