Billings, who made three Test appearances in 2022, most recently in England’s seven-wicket win against India at Edgbaston, opted out of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL to concentrate on his role at Kent.
However, he has weathered a rough patch in the County Championship, making 92 runs in 10 innings, including three ducks and a highest score of 31.
Kent are currently second from bottom in the Division One standings, with one win from seven matches, and Billings’ form saw them sit out their most recent Championship match, a five-wicket defeat to Surrey at Canterbury. .
“Kent cricket can confirm that men’s captain Sam Billings has decided to step down as captain in red-ball cricket for the remainder of the 2023 season,” a club statement read.
“Jack Leaning, who captained Kent against Surrey last time out in the Championship, will captain the team in Sam’s absence.
“Billings will continue to lead the team in Vitality Blast and will continue to captain the club in men’s cricket.”
However, his luck as captain of the cue ball has been much better. Kent have won their last six T20 Blast games under Billings’ leadership, and are currently fourth in Group South, with a quarter-final place within reach.
Kent have named a 13-man squad for their trip to Northamptonshire, who are the only team below them in the current Division One standings.
Arafat Bhuiyan, Arshdeep Singh and Matt Quinn appear after not being involved in Blast, while Ben Compton is set to take the top spot again. Harry Finch is included in the first XI team after impressing in the Second XI Championship, Michael Hogan and Grant Stewart have been rested to focus on this week’s Blast contest against Sussex.