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Geraint Jones confirms retirement plans

Former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones announces that this season will be his last as a cricketer.

Geraint Jones has revealed that he will retire from all forms of cricket at the end of the season.

The former England wicket-keeper signed a two-year deal with Gloucestershire last October, but at the age of 38, he has decided that the time is right for him to step aside.

"It's been something I've been thinking about quite strongly in the last few weeks and I've come to the decision that this season will be my last as a cricket player," Jones told the club's official website.

"But it's on a positive note that I've made the decision. Yes the family side has been a big consideration but ultimately it's about what's best for Gloucestershire Cricket and this squad.

"Over the last few weeks I felt there were guys who needed an opportunity and my place in the team was potentially that opportunity. I still want to play a big role in helping the team on and off the field but now is a chance for them to start to formulate the best way forward for this group of players and for Gloucestershire Cricket."

Jones, who was a part of the England squad that won The Ashes in 2005, made 34 Test appearances.

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Azhar Mahmood of Surrey bats during the NatWest T20 Blast match between Surrey and Middlesex Panthers at The Kia Oval on May 30, 2014
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