Russell to instruct keeper Jones

Geraint is very close to being a top-drawer wicket-keeper Jack Russell

Former England and Gloucestershire wicket-keeper Jack Russell has been called in to give coaching to current national team gloveman Geraint Jones.

Jones did not have the best of tours in South Africa, dropping catches and conceding too many byes.

Now England coach Duncan Fletcher has sought out the 54-Test veteran.

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

The pair have already worked closely but Russell will be heavily involved as the countdown to the Ashes begins.

He said: "Geraint has got the ability to play 100 Tests for England. He has the right attitude.

Russell will surely improve Jones as a wicket keeper, perhaps Jones may be world class after all From RB Have your say on TMS

"People have to remember he is still quite raw. There are some things we need to work out but it's just a case of smoothing out a few rough edges.

"In terms of winning the Ashes, he has got an important role to play. He can do some real damage and I've no doubt he has the stomach for a fight.

Meanwhile, Steve Harmison has reflected on his even more disappointing tour of South Africa.

Harmison told the News of the World: "It was high intensity, high pressure cricket for the whole tour and that's mentally and physically draining.

"It certainly wasn't the best environment in which to hit a bad patch."