A Margate-born spinner has been appointed as Kent captain as part of a new leadership model for the side.
Megan Belt replaces Tammy Beaumont as Kent Women’s skipper across both formats of the women’s county game, having led the Horses to multiple titles since 2017. England international Beaumont has opted to step down due to the demands of regional, franchise and international cricket limiting her availability.
Belt, now 26, has enjoyed a fine 10-year Kent career to date, making her debut in May 2013.
She has made more than 100 appearances for the Horses, taking more than 150 wickets at an average of just 16.40 with her right-arm off-spin.
In her time as a Kent cricketer, Belt has won three Women’s County Championships, two Women’s National T20 Cups, one Women’s London Championship and two Regional T20 titles. She was awarded Kent Women Cap No.49 in December 2020.
Belt said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be the new captain of Kent Women. I’ve loved my time as a Kent cricketer until now.
“I have so many great memories of winning titles with my county. It’s my job now to lead this young, hungry squad to add more success for the Horses.
“Tammy was a fantastic skipper and I hope that I can lead as well as she has.
“Like her, I’m there to guide the next generation of Kent Women cricketers from our excellent Talent Pathway into the first team and, hopefully, on to regional and franchise level.”
There has also been a change to Kent’s coaching structure this year.
Dave Hathrill has stepped down as head coach, with Dave Smith and Richard Durrant heading up the 2024 Women’s squad’s coaching team.
Kent’s Women’s and girls’ pathway manager Smith said: “Megan is a natural leader for this group and we’re delighted to have her as captain going forward.
“Despite her young age, she has many years of experience both playing in and winning tournaments as a Kent Women cricketer.
“She’ll play a vital role, alongside our Women’s coaches throughout the Talent Pathway, in nurturing the next generation of talented players to come through our system.”
Thanking Hathrill for his service, Smith said: “Dave navigated us through a difficult time, with the attention focusing more on the Regional Women’s structure since 2020.
“I’d like to thank him for his time and energy he dedicated to the role during his tenure.”
Kent Women’s squad has been working hard throughout the winter training Programme.
Starting with alternate Saturdays before the Christmas break, the Women’s squad moved to every Saturday from January onwards at Polo Farm in Canterbury.
Kent Women’s season is set to begin next month, with confirmation of the Horses’ 2024 schedule to follow.
