James Tredwell says it’s a shame his tenure as captain lasted just 51 weeks but insists he took a ‘tough’ decision for the good of the Kent squad.

The 31-year-old spent much of last season away from the club on international duty and he admitted: “It was tough last year.

“I think my standing within the England group rose a few months after taking the role. I gave the captaincy everything but with me being away it proved quite difficult at times and I didn’t want that to continue next season.

“I felt the best thing for the team is to have a leader there more often than not.”

Tredwell revealed he sought advice from England coaches after establishing himself as one of the country’s premier limited-overs spinners this summer.

He said: “I spoke to people within the England set-up to try and get a reading of potential involvement going forward. I’m keen to forge that part of my career and it might compromise one part or other had I carried on.”

He added: “I took on the role thinking I could make a difference. It’s a shame it didn’t quite go how I would have liked and a lot of that was down to me being away. I may or may not be away next season but if I am then I wanted the group to be in the best possible shape.”

He added: “I’ve enjoyed really good times and some success under (Key). We are all striving for something special here. I’m glad he’s able to take it on again, he’s the best captain I’ve played under. He was the standout candidate.”

Tredwell revealed he’d be keen on reclaiming the role in future, if circumstances allow, saying: “I really enjoyed the day-to-day captaincy. If it does become available and I’m still around I’d like to take it on. Maybe the right time will come in future.”