Simon Cook calls time at Kent

Cook, who started his career at Middlesex, moved to Kent in 2005. In a first-class career spanning 13 years and 141 matches, he took 342 wickets at an average of 32.14. He also scored 2,577 useful lower order runs including 7 fifties.

Cook was awarded his county cap at Kent in 2007, the year he also took a leading role in Kent’s successful Twenty20 Cup campaign. Always maintaining a good line and length, his economy rate of 7.52 complimented a strike rate of 18.01 at a very respectable average of 22.57.

In recent months, Cook has been captaining the second XI, and will lead them next week in the Second XI County Championship Final against Leicestershire at Grace Road.

Commenting on the decision, Cook said; “It is always a sad day when you have to leave something that has been a large part of your life, as Kent cricket has been for the last 7 years. I look back with fond memories of my time at Kent, but I also have to look forward.

"I would like to move into coaching. I have completed my level 4 coaching award and I take a lot of enjoyment out of seeing the players I have worked with doing well. I wish all players and staff well for the future.”

Graham Johnson, Chairman of Cricket commented; “Simon has been a key member of our squad since joining from Middlesex. He has been a reliable, respected and influential player for us, and I would like to thank him for his contribution over many years.

"In recent times particularly, he has helped the development of young talent at the Club, coaching extensively on the Kent Young Cricketer programmes. We all wish him well in the future as he looks to continue his coaching career.”