Key was appointed captain of Kent in the 2006 season

Kent have reappointed Rob Key as their captain for 2011, while also awarding him a benefit season.

The 31-year-old opener has scored more than 15,000 runs since making his first-class debut for Kent in 1998.

"I am pleased to be given the captaincy again for 2011," said Key. "I now have the opportunity to hopefully put right the things we didn't do this year.

"It a great honour to be awarded a benefit and I fully appreciate how lucky I am to receive one."

Key, whose career average is 41.54, hit his highest score for Kent in 2009 when he made an unbeaten 270 against Glamorgan.

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The 15-times capped former England opener did make a prodigious 261 against Durham at Canterbury in May, but it was otherwise a disappointing summer for Key, who made just 674 runs in 15 Championship matches at 26.96.

And it was also a poor season for Kent, who were relegated in the County Championship, just missed out in the CB40 and finished seventh in South Group in the FP t20.

Kent chairman of cricket, Graham Johnson said: "Rob has demonstrated a real commitment to Kent during his period as captain and his passion and determination has not been diminished in looking at the challenges ahead.

"He is highly respected, by both team-mates and players at other counties, and there was little debate about his appointment for 2011.

"He has made a tremendous contribution to the club, both as a player and captain, and I cannot think of anyone better than Rob to lead Kent."

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