He has 68 England caps across all formats, but struggled for runs in 2023, eventually stepping aside from red-ball cricket.

He told members at the annual Kent Cricket Awards: “It’s time for someone else to lead the club.”

After extending his contract last winter, the 32-year-old will stay with Kent for at least two more seasons.

In his first season as captain, the academy graduate guided the side to promotion to Division One and the One-Day Cup final, while he lifted the T20 Blast trophy at Edgbaston in 2021.

Billings said, “It’s been an incredible honor to captain this great club. I hope I’ve left the club in a better place.”

The club needs someone else to take it forward. As always, I will continue to support that individual and drive the team forward.

I’m looking forward to focusing on my own game, to perform at the levels that I aspire to, more consistently.”

Simon Cook, Kent’s new director of cricket, said: “Sam has been an outstanding leader during his time as captain.”.

It is often forgotten the work that he has put in behind the scenes – constantly pushing for improvements and raising standards in all aspects of the club, as well as playing a personal role in attracting players to Kent.”

After guiding the club to Division One survival on the final day of the season, Leaning has stated he would like to continue as captain in the County Championship.