KENT wicketkeeper Geraint Jones says he is delighted that the Ashes exploits of the England team have boosted public and media interest in the nation’s summer game.

Jones paid a brief visit to Canterbury as a Sky Sports summariser on Spitfires’ win over Yorkshire and was taken aback at the reception.

"It was quite incredible to see a packed house at Canterbury and so many youngsters wearing Kent and England shirts," said the Aussie-raised gloveman.

"I could tell from their reaction how England’s success appears to have given everyone a lift and that makes taking part in this series even more special."

Looking ahead to Thursday’s series decider at the Oval, Jones added: "We have to go there with a mind set to go and win the game and play as positively as we have in the last two Tests.

"It would be all too easy to slip into a negative approach because we only need to draw, but that could quickly lead to trouble."