Russel to help Geraint Jones

Former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell is to help current gloveman Geraint Jones improve his skills, at the request of coach Duncan Fletcher and captain Michael Vaughan.

Jones made several blunders behind the stumps during England's recent tour of South Africa and Russell, who played 54 Tests, has been summoned to hone the 28-year-old's technique for the home Test series with Australia starting in July.

"Duncan and captain Michael Vaughan have asked me to build a good relationship with Geraint and give him whatever specialist help he needs," Russell told the Sunday Express.

Jones, who learnt his trade in Australia, is expected to keep his place ahead of Nottinghamshire's Chris Read for the two Tests against Bangladesh, which precede England's Ashes series with Australia.

The Papua New Guinea-born player has already played in 13 Tests and 23 one-day internationals and Russell believes he could enjoy a lengthy career with England.

"He has got the ability to play 100 Tests for England," said Russell, who was guided by former England keepers Alan Knott and Bob Taylor during his own international career.

"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."

Russell ended a 22-year professional career last June after failing to recover from a back injury.

A world-class specialist keeper, he made 165 Test dismissals and averaged 27.10 with the bat, scoring two centuries. He was named Wisden's cricketer of the year in 1990 and played his last Test in March 1998 against West Indies.

He also played 40 one-day internationals for England.