Geraint Jones returns to international cricket with Papua New Guinea team

[1983-2011]

Former England international Geraint Jones has admitted it would be strange if he had to play England after he joined the Papua New Guinea team.

More than five years since he last played international cricket, Geraint Jones has the remarkable opportunity of facing England in this yearÃÔ World Twenty20. The Kent wicketkeeper will be best remembered for his part in the 2005 Ashes triumph, when England wrestled back the urn from Australia after 18 years and made his last appearance in the Perth Ashes Test in December 2006. But just when he thought his days of international cricket were over, Jones, 35, has taken up the opportunity to represent Papua New Guinea, the country of his birth, in the upcoming World Twenty20 qualifying tournament in Dubai. He is eligible to play as it is more than four years since he last played for England. And if PNG, whose first game is against Afghanistan on Tuesday, can finish in the top two of the 16-team event, then Jones will have the chance to take on his old country in the tournament proper in Sri Lanka this September. êt would be a bit strange facing England, admits Jones. ât the moment itÃÔ a bit of a long-off dream but it is a dream and over the next few weeks that dream could become a reality. 'I think a few of the boys donÃÕ realise whatÃÔ at stake, which is a place at a World Cup, and thatÃÔ a huge incentive.

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/892597-geraint-jones-returns-to-international-cricket-with-papua-new-guinea-team