Paul Farbrace believes skipper Rob Key’s decision to commit his future to Kent is "excellent news" as the county aim to become a force back in Division 1 of the LV County Championship.

Key’s reappointment as captain for the fifth successive summer next year follows his decision to sign a new contract extension, believed to be three years.

It ends speculation about the 30-year-old England batsman’s future at Canterbury, after rumours at the end of the season linked him with Surrey.

Kent head coach Farbrace (pictured) added: "It’s great that Rob and Martin van Jaarsveld have now agreed long-term deals and it gives us the opportunity of building the side around them.

"I don’t think there was too much chance of Rob leaving, he wanted to wait until the end of the season, reassess where he and the county were and then look forward and plan for the future.

"We have been discussing new players, including our overseas options and the talks have been good and positive."

Key has made the captain’s role his own since taking over from David Fulton in 2006 and still aspires to play Test cricket for England again – a realistic ambition according to Farbrace.

"Rob is a highly talented, top quality cricketer, a first class captain and a good leader," said Farbrace. "He is still keen to play for England. He should be ambitious and he knows that big runs and good form will help.

"Captaincy is tough, and not everybody can do it. It’s not just about going out and tossing a coin at the start of play.

"It’s about getting the best out of people, understanding how the club works and building relationships with everybody. He does it in his own style and is good at his job."