KENT’S new wicketkeeper Geraint Jones scored his maiden first team hundred to help the county into a strong position on day one of the county's two-day pre-season friendly with Gloucestershire.

Jones, who replaces Paul Nixon behind the stumps this summer, hit an excellent 111 in a shade under three hours as Kent amassed 427 all out in chilly Canterbury.

Jones struck 18 fours and four sixes in his century and was almost joined in three figures by another new boy, opener Michael Carberry.

The former Surrey left-hander reached 96 with 21 fours before his demise as Kent scored their runs at a healthy rate of 4.7 an over.

Fellow close-season signing Peter Trego chipped in with quick-fire 69 from 59 balls, while James Tredwell continued his consistent pre-season form with 43.

Gloucestershire will respond when play gets underway today.