Sam Billings: Kent captain steps down after six years in role

Sam Billings won the last of his three Test caps for England against India in July 2022

Sam Billings has stepped down as Kent captain after six years in the role to focus on finding a return to form.

The wicketkeeper-batter has 68 England caps across all formats but struggled for runs in 2023, eventually stepping away from red-ball duties in May.

Billings told members at the annual Kent Cricket Awards: "It is time for someone else to take the club forward."

The 32-year-old will remain a Kent player for at least two more seasons after extending his deal last winter.

The academy graduate was named as the club's 35th captain in January 2018 and guided the side to promotion to Division One and the One-Day Cup final in his first season, while he lifted the T20 Blast trophy in 2021 at Edgbaston.

"It has been an incredible honour to captain this great club. Hopefully I've left the club in a better place and taken the cap forward," Billings said.

"It is time for someone else to take the club forward. As always, I'll give everything to support that individual and continue to drive the team on for further success.

"I'm looking forward to focusing in on my own game, to get back to the levels that I aspire to perform at, more consistently for the team."

Kent's new director of cricket Simon Cook added: "Sam has been an outstanding leader in his time as captain.

"What people haven't seen is the work that he has put in over the years behind the scenes - constantly pushing for us to improve and raise standards in all aspects of the club, as well as playing a personal role in attracting players to play for Kent under his leadership."

Jack Leaning took over captaincy duties from Billings in the County Championship this season and has stated he would like to continue in the role after guiding the club to Division One survival on the final day of the season,

Meanwhile, Kent have announced the signing of right-arm seamer George Garrett, 23, from Warwickshire on a two-year contract.