Brayshaw quits Kent

Kent's director of cricket, Ian Brayshaw, has turned down the offer of an extension to his contract, and will not be returning to Canterbury next season.

"I have enjoyed every minute of my time at Kent," said Brayshaw, who is to return home to Perth after two years. "I shall take with me many happy memories and am confident that the club will continue to perform at the top of English county cricket for many years to come."

Kent finished third in the Championship last season, and put a bad start to 2003 behind them to finish mid-table in Division One, although they still face relegation in the National League unless they can beat Warwickshire on Sunday. "The playing staff contains some highly talented cricketers who offer the club a really exciting future," said Brayshaw. "In Simon Willis and Chris Stone the club have two excellent coaches."

"Ian has made a huge contribution during his two years at Kent," said their chairman of cricket Mike Denness. "He has left us with his thoughts regarding the best possible coaching structure for the future. We will be giving these full consideration over the next few weeks before making any decision regarding his successor."