Kent confirm captains for 2022 season

Sam Billings will continue to captain the club in all formats, with Daniel Bell-Drummond (white-ball cricket) and Jack Leaning (first-class) as vice-captains

Kent have confirmed their captaincy structure for 2022 with England international Sam Billings to remain as skipper across all formats.

The 30-year-old led the club to their first trophy in 14 years last season, winning the T20 Blast and also topping Division Three of the County Championship.

Billings is currently in India ahead of his Indian Premier League commitments with Kolkata Knight Riders and with the final not scheduled to take place until May 29, vice-captain Jack Leaning will lead Kent in early months of the County Championship season.

Daniel Bell-Drummond will serve as white-ball vice-captain and will lead the side in Billings’ absence.

^{Daniel Bell-Drummond [Ashley Allen/Getty Images] and Jack Leaning [Stu Forster/Getty Images] will captain Kent in Billings' absence}

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."