Jones’ success is a positive for Suffolk

March 22, 2026

SUFFOLK Men’s 1st XI head coach Adam Mansfield said the success of Adam Jones is a ‘really positive reflection’ of the set-up in the county.

Jones made his debut for the Auckland Aces in the New Zealand Super Smash T20 competition versus Central Stags in Napier in January.

The Bedfordshire-born 25-year-old, who scored 28 off 21 balls before being run out, went on to make two further appearances for the Aces in the competition.

However, his participation means Jones, who captained Sudbury CC, can no longer play for Suffolk in the NCCA competitions across any of the three formats in the 2026 season and beyond.

Mansfield said: “Adam is no longer eligible for Suffolk following his involvement with Auckland Aces in the New Zealand domestic T20 competition, as his participation there means he is now classed under overseas player regulations for National Counties cricket.

“Despite holding a dual passport, the competition rules around player eligibility mean he is unable to represent Suffolk this season.”

Jones, who made his Suffolk debut in an NCCA Trophy match versus Staffordshire at Mildenhall in May 2024, had an outstanding season for Suffolk in last season’s T20 competition.

He finished as the leading run-scorer in Group 2 as Suffolk qualified for the Super 12s for the first time, scoring 285 runs in his seven innings.

Jones (pictured batting above) recorded four fifties, including twin half-centuries versus Norfolk when he stood in as captain, and was only dismissed four times, ending with an average of 71.25.

He was also a member of the Suffolk side that reached the semi-finals of the NCCA Trophy competition and played twice in the Cluberly NCCA Championship.

Mansfield admitted to ‘mixed feelings’ now that Jones will not be available to continue playing for Suffolk.

He said: “On the one hand, we’re all incredibly proud of him, it’s a fantastic opportunity and thoroughly deserved.

“On the other, there’s naturally some disappointment as we lose a key player who contributed massively last season.

“He will be a big loss for us. His performances in the T20 competition last year were outstanding, and he brought a lot to the group both on and off the field. Replacing that quality won’t be easy.”

However, Mansfield added: “I think his success is a really positive reflection of the Suffolk set-up. It shows that players can come through our system and push on to higher levels, which is exactly the message we want to send to younger players in the county.”

Jones last season broke the runs record in the Thurlow Nunn East Anglian Premier League, scoring 1,474 runs, including seven centuries and six fifties, in 19 innings at an average of 98.27.

His total surpassed the previous record of 1,233 set by South African Jack Newby while playing as an overseas player at Norwich CC in 2018.

Sudbury CC Chair Louis Brooks confirmed that Jones, who would still be eligible to play in the EAPL but as an overseas player, will not returning to the club this summer.

His commitments in New Zealand mean he will not be available for the whole summer, and Sudbury need their overseas to play and coach at the club all season.

Brooks said: “Adam has been great for Sudbury over the last two seasons. He really was a great coach with the Juniors and Seniors at the club.

“He helped to bring on many of our younger players into the first team. He was always willing to help around the club and on the ground.

“Last year he was superb, breaking the EAPL record, and I think he was the highest run-scorer in Premier Leagues across the country!

“His 1,474 was a league record by some margin! It may never be broken again!

“He scooped the first team player of the year and the overall club player of the year at our annual dinner that took place this month.

“He will be sorely missed but we are so glad to get on the professional ladder in New Zealand and we wish him all the best for the future!”

Sudbury have signed a Sri Lankan spin all-rounder as their overseas player for 2026.

 

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