Sam Billings stood down as Kent’s Championship skipper for the remainder of 2023 and coach Matt Walker has been talking to KSN about the captain’s decision.

“It’s a very brave and selfless decision,” Walker said. “I think that he’s realised that things have taken its’ toll on him as captain – it is draining and does eat away!”

“People don’t really understand what goes into captaincy unless you do it. It’s a very tough job as you’ve got a lot going on as you haven’t got to worry just about yourself, you’re worrying about everyone else too.”

“There are decisions that have to be made on and off the field – it really is a very tough job.” 

“Sadly, it’s impacted on the way that he’s played – he’s realised from a team’s perspective it’s the best move and from a personal perspective too, it’s the best move.” 

“He’ll want to give himself to stop these things getting in the way of his best game of cricket. Sam’s had a long hard think about what’s right for both the team and himself and he’s made the decision and we think it’s the right time for him to step down for a bit.”

“I’m sure it was a very tough decision to make when you’ve thrown so much into things – he’s been outstanding as a captain… what he brings to the squad and what he brings to the Club is of enormous value and it would have been a very tough decision to make as he really does love to play hugely.”

“To look at and realise that now may well be the right time to get away from it so that he can really now just focus on the back end of our T20 campaign and throw all his energy into these last two games as a captain and a player, and we’ll see where it takes us!” 

“You feel that you’ve thrown so much into a role, but Sam has thought long and hard about it and at this stage for him, especially it’s a decision that will refresh and energise him and take away all the distractions that he doesn’t need at the moment and get back to playing his best cricket!”