Geraint Jones will miss Kent's pre-season trip to Antigua due to the tournament in Dubai

An appearance for Papua New Guinea next month is unlikely to be a one-off for Geraint Jones and the Kent wicketkeeper is open to the idea of coaching the national side in the future.

The 35-year-old was born in the country and several years after the idea was first suggested he will make his bow in the Twenty20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Dubai.

Jones, who played 34 Test matches for England, has only been back once since leaving Papua New Guinea as a six-year-old, but is keen to share his experience beyond the event and even after the end of his playing career.

He said: “I would like to think it’s something more regular. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be involved a bit more and could lead to something other than just playing. There may be the potential of a coaching role down the line at some point, who knows.

“To be back playing international cricket is exciting and it’s a new group of players. To qualify would be an amazing achievement, but we know it’s going to be tough.”

The tournament will be useful in his preparations for the season with Kent. New coach Jimmy Adams is expected to begin work shortly and Jones is keen to get started.

He said: “There will be five or six new faces around with the new coach and some younger players coming in. In a way it’s a new changing room, which is exciting.”

Photo by ADY KERRY