Simon Cook to replace Paul Downton as Kent director of cricket

The former Middlesex and Kent seamer, bowling coach at Canterbury for the last four years, will make the step up at the end of the season

Kent have confirmed Simon Cook will be installed as the club's new director of cricket as a replacement for the outgoing Paul Downton.

The bowling lead since 2019 will make the step up at the end of the season.

Downton, who occupied the role for six years, advised the board during the winter of his intention to leave the Canterbury club.

Cook prevailed after what the club described as a "robust recruitment process" overseen by the club's board and "a number of expert advisors".

A seamer who represented Middlesex and Kent, Cook was part of the Spitfires' T20 Blast triumph in 2007 and made 200 appearances in seven years at the club.

Downton confirmed in July he would be stepping down at the end of the season (Luke Walker/Getty Images)

Upon retiring he swiftly moved into coaching, having spells with France and Hong Kong, where he was national head coach and high-performance manager.

A return to England beckoned and after being interviewed for a role at Essex chose to join Kent as bowling coach under Matt Walker.

A stickler for data and technology, he has overseen the development of a specialist fast bowling programme for Kent's county age group and academy squads.

He took charge of Kent during their victorious 2022 One-Day Cup campaign and returned to the role this summer.

Cook steps up after four years as a bowling coach with the Canterbury club (Kent CC)

Chair Simon Philip explained: "Simon was the outstanding candidate throughout the very rigorous selection process.

"He provided a compelling and clear vision of how he wants the club to move forward from the pathway to the first XI, allied to a very strong view of the brand of cricket that he wants the club to play.

"His existing knowledge as a player and coach will prove invaluable in delivering his vision.

"I'm sure that all members and supporters will welcome Simon to his new role."

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