ENGLAND wicketkeeper Geraint Jones will play after all when Kent take on New Zealand in a four-day friendly starting in Canterbury tomorrow.

An 11th hour U-turn has been brokered between county club and country after fears over Jones' playing form since his arrival back from the Caribbean on April 15.

Jones had initially agreed with England coach Duncan Fletcher to stand down from this four-day friendly ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, which starts at Lord's on May 20. But protestations from Kent skipper David Fulton have led to a change of heart.

Jones' form with bat and gloves has dipped since his Test debut in the Caribbean barely six weeks ago and Fulton is convinced the correct decision has been reached.

"Geraint hasn't had much batting since he got back and I'm taking the view this is best for him, Kent and England," said Fulton.

"We made this mistake last year with Rob Key by going along with England's requests to rest a player. We said yes, yes, yes then, and we all know what happened afterwards.

"What's best for Jones right now is some time in the middle and scoring some runs against New Zealand, that might just do him the world of good."

Jones is averaging just 10.5 with the bat and has taken only three catches in his two championship starts since arriving back from his two winter tours. Little wonder then, that he too is concerned about his form ahead of the three-Test series.

"I haven't spent much time in the middle so far this season and playing in the game is probably what I need," said the Australian-raised gloveman. "I imagine they will play their strongest side out against us so I plan to to watch closely and take it all in.

"I have been working hard in the nets on my batting and glovework because I am not particularly happy with both since I got back from the West Indies.

"I have been a bit tentative with the bat and have missed the crucial pre-season time because of the two winter tours."

Kent have opted to rest both overseas players Mohammad Sami and Andrew Symonds, the latter is going on a short honeymoon break with his new wife Brooke.

Martin Saggers is also stood down, leaving Fulton to pick from 12 and perm two spinners from the three available in Min Patel, Rob Ferley and James Tredwell.

Each day's play starts at 10.45am to fall in line with Test match hours.

Kent from: Fulton, Key, Smith, Walker, Carberry, Jones, Ferley, Patel, Tredwell, Stiff, Sheriyar, Khan.

* Geraint Jones intimated this week that he would be prepared to go on the controversial tour to Zimbabwe next winter should England decide to go.