England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones is one of three Kent players who have agreed contract extensions with the club. He joins captain Robert Key and Martin van Jaarsveld in signing deals that will keep them at Canterbury until 2009.

Graham Johnson, the chairman of cricket, said: "Robert Key has made a major contribution to the club in his first year as captain whilst Martin has made a superb contribution with the bat. He is also an excellent example to all our young, aspiring cricketers.

He added that there are plans in place to cover for the loss of Jones if he returns to a full-time position in the England team. "We are obviously pleased to hear that Geraint is likely to be selected for the first Ashes Test and we all wish him well. There is a great deal of cricket to be played between now and the end of the next World Cup and I am sure we all hope that he will be successful in regaining his place in the England squad on a permanent basis.

"If, as we approach the 2007 domestic season, it becomes clear that Geraint may be away for prolonged periods we have in place contingency plans to ensure cover capable of delivering the right level of performance with both gloves and bat in our wicket keeping.”

Kent have also announced that they are in discussion with Martin Saggers in regard to a contract for the 2007 season. Saggers missed large parts of the last two seasons through injury and is looking to prove his return to full fitness before finalising a contract.