David Fulton steps down as captain

David Fulton steps down as captain of Kent © Getty Images

David Fulton has announced he does not wish to continue as captain of Kent for 2006, but has stated his desire to play a full part in Kent's campaign next season. In a statement released on Tuesday, Fulton said he enjoyed his time as captain but was disappointed in failing at the final hurdle this summer.

"[I am] obviously disappointed to have come so close to winning the championship this year," he said. "I believe the time has come for someone else to take on the challenges of the captaincy, and I remain totally committed to playing my full part as a player in 2006."

But Fulton also admitted he is still troubled by an eye injury he sustained in the nets at the start of the 2004 season and he will visit a retinal eye specialist over the winter. "If my powers as a batsman are on the wane because of my left eye, then I would have to bow out gracefully," he admitted.

Fulton thoroughly impressed Steve Waugh, who was at Kent as an overseas player in 2002 when Fulton was sharing the captaincy with Matthew Fleming. Fulton was appointed Kent's captain the following season. The chairman of Kent, Graham Johnson, praised Fulton's achievements:

"I would like to place on record our thanks to David for his outstanding contribution as captain. He has always been positive in his approach, and passionate about all aspects of the club. We look forward to him playing a key part in 2006 in what is a very important year for him."