Spinner Megan Belt appointed new captain of Kent Women, replacing England international Tammy Beaumont while change in coaching structure for 2024 season sees Dave Hathrill step down as head coach

A Margate-born spinner has been appointed as Kent captain as part of a new leadership model for the side.

Megan Belt replaces Tammy Beaumont as Kent Women’s skipper across both formats of the women’s county game, having led the Horses to multiple titles since 2017. England international Beaumont has opted to step down due to the demands of regional, franchise and international cricket limiting her availability for her county.

Belt, now 26, has enjoyed a storied 10-year Kent career to date, making her debut for Kent Women in May 2013.

She has made more than 100 appearances for the Horses, taking over 152 wickets at an average of just 16.40 with her right-arm off-spin.

In her time as a Kent cricketer, Belt has won three Women’s County Championships, two Women’s National T20 Cups, one Women’s London Championship and two Regional T20 titles. She was awarded Kent Women Cap No. 49 in December 2020.

Belt said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be the new captain of Kent Women. I’ve loved my time as a Kent cricketer until now.

“I have so many great memories of winning titles with my county. It’s my job now to lead this young, hungry squad to add more success for the Horses.

“Tammy was a fantastic skipper and I hope that I can lead as well as she has.

“Like her, I’m there to guide the next generation of Kent Women cricketers from our excellent Talent Pathway into the first team and, hopefully, on to regional and franchise level.”

There has also been a change to Kent’s coaching structure this year.

Dave Hathrill has stepped down from his role as head coach, with Dave Smith and Richard Durrant heading up the 2024 Women’s squad coaching team.

Kent’s Women’s and girls’ pathway manager Smith said: “Megan is a natural leader for this group