Re-energised Kent Spitfires skipper Sam Billings is being backed to return to his best in the T20 Blast this summer by head coach Matt Walker

A re-energised Sam Billings is being backed to return to his best for Kent Spitfires this summer.

Billings will continue to skipper Kent in the T20 Blast despite being replaced as club captain by batsman Daniel Bell-Drummond at the end of last season.

While things didn’t work out as planned in red-ball cricket for Billings in 2023, he still enjoys a fantastic short-form record.

A T20 Blast winner with Spitfires in 2021, wicketkeeper-batsman Billings helped Lahore Qalandars win the 2023 Pakistan Super League title and was part of the Brisbane Heat squad crowned Big Bash League champions in Australia earlier this year.

He didn’t play in the Final as he headed off to captain Dubai Capitals to the ILT20 Final. Billings top-scored with 40 off 29 balls, but his team lost to MI Emirates by 45 runs.

Kent head coach Matt Walker hopes Pembury-born Billings can get back to his best, as he focuses on short-form cricket after penning a white-ball contract last December.

“Stepping down from those two roles (as Kent red-ball skipper and club captain) is a big step down,” admitted Walker.

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“It takes a lot of character and honesty to realise it’s time to move on. Sam’s very proud to have been club captain.

“Stepping away from that is not always easy but I think he realised he needed it, not only for himself, but he probably felt it was the right time for the club. He’s done a fantastic job.

“His career is probably a bit different to most in terms of what he does. But he’s been a great ambassador for the club in that role and will continue to do it as the T20 captain and still as a senior player - and an ex-captain - of the county. He’s still a very