MELBOURNE, Dec 20: England’s under-fire wicket-keeper Geraint Jones has defended his performances in the Ashes to date, but realises that Chris Read is likely to replace him for the next Test.

“I'm fully aware Chris Read is breathing down my neck,” he wrote in London's Metro newspaper, “and although I have been generally pleased with my keeping behind the stumps, my form with the bat has been perplexing.”

Jones's poor batting form is likely to cost him his place in the side for the next Test at the MCG, which starts on Boxing Day, with Read given another chance behind the stumps.

Read had not played Test cricket since 2003-04, but was given another chance for England last summer in the third and fourth Tests against Pakistan.

In his three innings he scored 38, 55 and 33, but the selectors still preferred Jones to face Australia this winter. Jones has averaged just 10.5 in the Ashes and got a pair at Perth.

“There may not be a lot left to fight for but we are determined to prevent a series whitewash,” he continued. “We will not let ourselves suffer further humiliation by losing 5-0.”

But whether Jones will have the chance to play for pride remains to be seen.—Cricinfo