Rob Key steps down, with James Tredwell named Kent Cricket captain for 2013

Kent County Cricket Club today announced that Rob Key is to step down as Kent Cricket captain, with James Tredwell announced as his successor.

Rob Key is one of the Club’s longest serving captains, having succeeded David Fulton at the end of the 2005 cricket season. He joins a list of esteemed long serving captains, which includes Lord Harris, Frank Marchant and Colin Cowdrey.

During his seven years of captaincy, Rob Key has led Kent to two Twenty20 Cup Finals and a Friends Provident Trophy final, and in 2007, the county lifted the Twenty20 Cup.

Kent Cricket Chairman of Cricket, Graham Johnson commented on the announcement during a Media Conference at the St Lawrence Ground; “This is a time to acknowledge two players who have come through the Kent system to play at the highest level. In Rob Key, we have to pay tribute to the longest serving Kent Captain in the professional era, his contribution has been immense.

"James Tredwell takes over in leading our team at an exciting time in the Club's history and has all the right attributes and experience to build on the efforts so far and to take us to the next level. Both typify all that is best about Kent Cricket."

James Tredwell succeeds Rob Key as Kent Cricket captain for the 2013 season. The left-handed batsman and right-arm off break bowler made his first-class debut for Kent during the 2001 season, going on to be a key member of the side in all forms of the game.

Tredwell is one of the best slow bowlers on the county cricket circuit. He is Kent born and bred and has taken nearly 550 wickets for the county in all forms of the game since his debut. His turn, flight and guile make him a constant threat and this has led to recognition from England – he has played 1 Test and 9 one day internationals, as well as captaining England Lions. He has been particularly impressive in t20 cricket, where his economical spells have proved crucial to the Spitfires’ success.

James Tredwell commented on his appointment; “Firstly, with the rich tradition of the Club and all the great players and captains before, what a great honour it is to be asked to fulfil this position.Having come through the Kent system, it is with great pride I take on this challenge.

"Secondly. I would like to pass on my best wishes to Rob, being under his leadership on a personal note has taken my game forward and been a pleasure to play for.

"To fill his shoes will be a tough job as he performed the role admirably for a number of years, and tactically was in my opinion second to none. I see this opportunity as the next step in my career, and am really excited with the chance to tackle this challenge."