Russell to give wicketkeeping tips to Jones

Jack Russell, the former England wicketkeeper who retired last year, has been asked to help Geraint Jones improve behind the stumps.

The request came from England's management team of Michael Vaughan and coach Duncan Fletcher, according to the Sunday Express. Russell told them: "Duncan and captain Michael Vaughan have asked me to build a good relationship with Geraint and give him whatever specialist help he needs."

Russell, who's now 41, is generally acknowledged as the finest English wicketkeeper of recent years. He played 54 Tests, even though he often missed out to the superior batting of Alec Stewart, but still made 165 dismissals, and scored 1897 Test runs of his own, with two centuries.

Jones, who was controversially preferred to Chris Read for the final Test in West Indies last year, and has held his place ever since, fumbled a number of catches and takes during the South African series. But, according to Russell, "He has got the ability to play 100 Tests for England - he has the right attitude and, as long as he keeps doing the business, there is no reason why he can't go down as one of the best."