Jones looking to end on a high

Geraint Jones admits he has had a “bit of a down year” but says he hopes to finish the season strongly and set himself up for his 14th year with Kent.

The wicketkeeper cracked seven championship half-centuries last year and averaged more than 150 in 40-over cricket but this year has scored just two fifties in 15 championship innings and Tuesday’s 46 not out in the YB40 loss at Northants was his highest limited-overs score of the summer.

The former England wicketkeeper – who turned 37 last month – also found himself on the sidelines for the opening three games of the Friends Life t20 campaign with Sam Billings preferred behind the stumps.

Jones admitted: “I was disappointed with the t20 situation but I understood the direction (the club) were going.

“It was a bit surreal to come back in and then to end up captaining the side at the end though.”

He added: “I don’t feel like I have anything to prove. I know I am a good player and I like to think I have shown that down the years. Every time I go out there I do my best to try to get us into winning positions.

“This year has been a bit down on what I’m used to but on Tuesday I did OK, even though we were disappointed to lose. I have a contract for next season and I don’t want my career to just peter out.

“I want to play a significant role in the first team.” Jones has agreed to play t20 for Papua New Guinea in November and 50-over cricket in New Zealand after Christmas.

He said: “It’s going to be a busy time but I am looking forward to it. You have to make the most of these opportunities when they come along.

“It’s been a goal of mine to play until I am 40 and feel in good shape to do that but it’s the kind of thing you have to assess on a seasonb y - season basis.”