Rob Key has announced his retirement from cricket.

The former Kent captain, 36, has left the club by mutual agreement, saying the time is right for younger players to come through at the St Lawrence Ground.

Key scored 19,419 first-class runs including 270 not out for Kent against Glamorgan in 2009 having made his senior debut back in 1998.

He 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."

Kent assistant coach Matt Walker said Key had earned the right to be described as one of the county's best of the modern era.

The pair have been great mates for many years and Walker said:"It's difficult when he's your mate and you've known him since he was a youngster, you tend to take people for granted. It's only when it's all finished and you sit back and reflect that you realise the impact they've had.

"The word great gets bandied around way too much these days but Rob definitely goes go down as one of the greats (of Kent cricket). To me he's right up there, to stay at a club for as long as he has, and captain the side for as long as he did."

Walker said Key had one of the most astute cricketing brains on the county circuit and always did his best to look after his players on and off the field.

He added: "Rob was a born captain and always very hands-on. He led from the front, if ever there was an issue on the field he would never stand down, he would stand your corner and you knew he always had your back.

"He has helped so many players along their chosen path and quite frankly there have been very few like him."

Kent players, past and present, have also been quick to praise Key's successful career.