HIS typically counter-attacking innings of 60 could not save Kent from defeat against Lancashire, but it was a performance Geraint Jones fans ought to savour.

Jones, centrally contracted to the England squad, enjoyed a rare opportunity to play for his county but, having now left for the Test series against Sri Lanka, it could be some time before county supporters see him again.

Such are England’s international demands that Jones’ Old Trafford scores of 29 and 60 may prove his sole domestic first-class innings and 44.5 may yet become his Kent average for the season.

He said: "I’ve no idea when I’ll be able to play for Kent again.

"We have three Tests in quick succession against Sri Lanka then five one-dayers, then Pakistan tour for four Tests and another five ODIs.

"Any possible rest time will be seized upon by 'Fletch' (England coach Duncan Fletcher), so it’ll just really be a case of me doing what’s best."

"Having also missed pre-season training, Jones had a lot of catching up to do in Manchester, but he was happy to be back in the Kent dressing room again.

He added: "When you’re away you miss out on the gossip and the 'in jokes'. It felt good to be back as part of the dressing room again and I wish I could play a bit more for Kent for that reason alone."