BY ROB FORSAITH
Nine MSN
FORMER ENGLAND WICKETKEEPER Geraint Jones will make a surprise return to the international cricket arena in March when he represents Papua New Guinea at the World Twenty20 qualifier in the UAE.
Jones was born in Kundiawa and recently approached Cricket PNG with his desire to represent his country of birth.
Jones' county side Kent, the ECB and ICC all gave their blessing, and Cricket PNG boss Greg Campbell was happy to accommodate the 35-year-old, who played 34 Tests and was awarded an MBE for his part in England's breakthrough 2005 Ashes triumph.
"I couldn't believe it when Geraint contacted us. He is genuinely excited about coming to play and helping us achieve the dream of a World Cup spot," Campbell said.
"He has played so many games at the highest level. His talent and experience will be incredibly valuable for us."
Jones will link up with PNG, who are coached by Brad Hogg, for a training camp in Canberra in February before departing for Dubai.
PNG will be one of 16 nations competing for two spots at the World T20, which will be held in Sri Lanka this year.
The winner of the tournament will be pooled with Australia and West Indies, while the other finalist will be in a group with defending champions England and 2007 winners India.
While rugby league is the national sport of PNG, cricket has enjoyed a recent renaissance.
Hogg last year took over the coaching reins from Andy Bichel, who had helped trigger a sharp ascent up the ICC's rankings.
PNG earned promotion to the World Cricket League Division 2 last year, and will be jostling against the likes of Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland and Afghanistan for a place at this year's T20 showpiece
Comments