Jones leads reshuffled B&I Lions against Crusaders
Wales skipper Jones captained the Lions in the third Test in Australia in 2013 as well as playing in all the Tests in South Africa in 2009.
And the centurian capped second row will bring all his experience to a starting line-up which sees Jonathan Davies, George North and Sean O'Brien start their first Tour games.
"The aim was always to start everyone in the first three matches and this selection ensures that we achieve this," said Gatland.
"This is an experienced team with nine of the starting 15 players having featured in 2013.
"Our squad is working hard and we are seeing improvement in their performances both at training and in the games.
"Yesterday's results against the Blues was disappointing and we know we can't afford to give away so many penalties.
"We are looking forward to the clash against the Crusaders and we expect a tough game against the most successful team in Super Rugby history."
Lions: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Ben Te'o, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 George Kruis, 4 Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Jamie George (Saracens), 2 Mako Vunipola.
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Christiaan Stander, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Johnny Sexton, 23 Anthony Watson.
Date: Saturday, June 10
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick: 19.35 (08.35 UK & Ireland time; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Pascal Gauzère (France)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
