Key has provided Kent with plenty of runs in recent years

Veteran spinner Min Patel will act as his deputy as the club hunt their first County Championship since 1978.

"I am thrilled to have been asked to captain Kent and look forward to giving it my best shot," said Key, who has played 15 Tests for England.

Fulton resigned at the end of the season, saying it was 'time to go' after a difficult fourth year.

We were impressed by how much desire both Rob and Min have to want to shape and be part of a successful Kent team Graham Johnson Kent chairman of cricket

In the past few seasons they have regularly finished high up the ladder in the County Championship, claiming the runners-up spot in 2003 and 2004.

But they finished fifth in 2005, after a controversial declaration by Fulton in the penultimate match of the season, which Notts took advantage of to clinch the title.

Key has not played for England since the tour of South Africa last winter.

But he added: "I remain committed to getting back into the England side and am sure that my added responsibilities at Kent will help me do this."

Chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said the club studied a range of captaincy options, including overseas candidates.

I suspect that Key's ruddy, jocular image conceals a keen cricketing brain From Rob C Have your say on TMS

All-rounder Shaun Pollock, who captained South Africa while current Kent boss Graeme Ford was national coach, was one man linked with the job.

"Having considered suitability and availability of all the contenders we decided to ask Rob to take on the role," said Johnson.

"We were impressed by how much desire both Rob and Min have to want to shape and be part of a successful Kent team."