Kent Cricket have confirmed that Sam Billings will continue as Men’s Captain for the 2022 season, after leading the side to their first trophy in 14 years in September 2021.
Billings, who made his Test debut in January and also captained the county to topping Division 3 of last season’s LV= Insurance County Championship structure, has now travelled to India to compete with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The group stage 2022 IPL runs from 26 March until 22 May, with knockout matches and the final of this year’s tournament taking place until 29 May.
Whilst Billings is away, the Club have confirmed that matchday captaincy duties will be shared with Daniel Bell-Drummond in white-ball cricket, and with Jack Leaning in first-class matches.
Kent’s Director of Cricket, Paul Downton, said: “Sam’s captaincy has been an integral part of the improvement in Kent’s performance over the last four seasons, culminating in winning the Vitality Blast in 2021.
“His drive and energy make him the natural leader of this group and we’re pleased to announce that Sam will continue to be our Men’s Captain for the 2022 season.
“One of his most significant achievements has been the introduction and development of a leadership team within the dressing room. Whilst we have missed him when he has been away at the IPL and with England, it has allowed other leaders to emerge.
“Daniel Bell Drummond has been an outstanding Captain in the Blast over the last three seasons and will continue to captain the side in white-ball cricket in Sam’s absence.
“Jack Leaning will step up into a captaincy role in red-ball cricket. Jack has settled remarkably well since joining us from Yorkshire in October 2019, and fully deserves his opportunity to lead the county as we compete in the early stages of the Championship until Sam’s return to Kent.
“We are fortunate that both Jack and Daniel can rely on a strong leadership group around them as we all look forward to the coming season.”
Picture supplied by Max Flego Photography.