Geraint Jones calls on Kent links to help St Lawrence College charges

England Ashes 2005 hero enjoying life at school

Geraint Jones might have comprised part of a much-fabled Ashes-winning England squad, won the T20 Blast with Kent, clinched the One-Day Cup at Gloucestershire and represented international teams across more than 500 senior appearances over formats. And yet it speaks volumes of St Lawrence College that his role as head of cricket offers equal satisfaction.

Jones has been with the college since 2017 but has been responsible for a cricket programme now serving more than two dozen teams since September 2023, and has slot right in.

"They're similar," he told The Cricketer. "When you're playing yourself, it is you out there scoring the runs, knowing the hard work. Those sorts of feelings I try to get from the students that I am coaching.

"I try to help them understand that if something comes off that we've worked on they have that feel-good factor. It has really helped me.

"Those little boosts are great. For me it is seeing the reaction that the kids I coach and them enjoying improving and understanding. That is what I see my biggest role as, getting them to understand: what is the feel that you need to re-create? And it is about trying to recreate that over and over and when they understand that that is what I love.

"It is two of you doing it. When I was playing it was personal success. But now I'm celebrating that I've helped them and they're getting the rewards as well.

"I've always really enjoying the helping side of it. Something has always been there with me, so I've felt that for a long time, that satisfaction with helping people. It has been a natural progression from playing."

A popular element of the programme are the masterclass sessions delivered by several current and ex professionals who offer an alternative perspective and voice.

One of the most warmly appreciated sessions was led by Tawanda Muyeye, the Kent and Oval Invincibles batter who is defined by his technically precise stroke play.

"They loved his nature," added Jones. "He is such a calm character and the expertise he was getting across to them. I do remember them talking about it, more so just the way he went about it. He is a classy character. 

"It was great to see him have some success this year with his double hundred (in the County Championship against Worcestershire). When I was able to get him in for the school, I knew he would be a great fit and the kids would love it."