GLOUCESTERSHIRE have signed former England Ashes hero Geraint Jones on a loan agreement from Kent.

The 37-year-old wicketkeeper joined to cover for the injured Gareth Roderick, who has been ruled out for six weeks with a broken finger, and made his Gloucestershire debut in the LV=County Championship match away to Derbyshire, which started on Sunday.

During his stint with Gloucestershire, he will be available for selection in all forms of the game, but won’t be able to play in any match featuring Kent.

Gloucestershire director of cricket, John Bracewell, added: “With the knock to Gareth Roderick’s hand, the pressure to play all forms of the game is taking a physical and mental toll on young Cameron Herring. The selection group have therefore requested assistance in the wicketkeeper/batsman area.

“Geraint will be a great foil for our middle order batting and his experience behind the stumps will be of great value to our fielding and bowling groups.”

Born in Papua New Guinea, of Welsh parents, Jones has kept wicket for Kent for the best part of 13 seasons.

He was their resident glove man since making his debut in 2001.

Impeccable behind the stumps, and a heavy run scorer, Jones has also enjoyed a thrilling career at the highest level, playing 34 Tests, 49 ODIs and two international T20 appearances for England.

During 2005, he played a vital role at Trent Bridge where he hit 85 and shared a 177-run sixth wicket stand with Andrew Flintoff, which laid the foundations for a victory which ultimately saw England reclaim the Ashes.

He also made a brilliant catch down the leg side at Edgbaston, which clinched England's two-run win over Australia to level that series at 1-1 and was awarded an MBE at the end of 2005 after his contributions to winning back the Ashes for England.

Last season, although he found runs a little harder to come by, he still accumulated 403 Championship runs at an average of 23.71.

He was also a regular contributor in Kent’s limited overs side. Sharp glove work enabled him to claim 41 first-class victims and he regularly took the captaincy reins in the absence of James Tredwell, whilst he was away on England duty.

Jones said: “I am excited for the opportunity that lies ahead for the next four weeks and look forward to contributing to the success of Gloucestershire Cricket whilst I am there.”