Kent batsman Rob Key has announced that he has decided to retire with immediate effect.

The 36-year-old right-hander has spent his entire career with Kent since his senior debut in 1998 and stands as the most prolific run scorer at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence.

Rob Key said: “By mutual agreement the club and I have come to an agreement after a long and enjoyable career to call it a day. It’s time for the younger players to have their chance and it doesn’t feel right for me to stand in their way anymore.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all who have supported me throughout my career. It has been a great honour to represent Kent. I don’t know what the future holds but I look forward to what the next chapter has in store.”

The opener scored 19,419 first-class runs including 270 not out for Kent against Glamorgan in 2009 and 221 for England against the West Indies at Lord’s in 2004.

He was capped by England at under-19 level and by his county in 2001 before making his full international debut in 2002, playing in 15 Tests, five One-Day internationals and a T20 for his country.

Key was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2005 before being appointed club captain the following year.

He served as skipper for nine years in two spells before stepping down in 2015. His tenure was the longest captaincy at Kent since Colin Cowdrey’s 15-year spell in the role from 1957 to 1971.   He was awarded a Benefit Year in 2011.

Kent chairman George Kennedy said: “Rob has been an outstanding servant of Kent and England throughout his career.

“He is a club man and selfless captain whose records will stand as testament to his ability with the bat.  Perhaps more importantly his leadership and loyalty to Kent in some turbulent times has helped lead the club to a much stronger place. The current crop of exciting talent has learned much from his time at the helm.

“A Kent side without Rob at the top of the order will look very odd and everyone at the Club wishes him all the best for the future.

ROB KEY – CAREER STATS

First-class records: 299 matches, 19,419 runs at an average of 40.45 including 54 centuries and 76 half-centuries including a top score of 270 not out against Glamorgan in Cardiff in 2009.

List A: 225 matches, 6,469 runs at an average of 32.18 including eight centuries and 37 fifties.

T20 record: 98 matches, 2,239 runs at an average of 25.73 including 13 fifties.

Picture supplied by Sarah Ansell Photogrpahy.