ROB Key has been re-appointed Kent County Cricket Club captain for next season.

He will lead a new-look squad including Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat, who will be one of their overseas players alongside Andrew Hall.

Arafat took 41 wickets and averaged 43 with the bat in eight Championship appearances for Sussex.

The club have released former skipper David Fulton, keeper Niall O'Brien and seamers Simon Cusden, Matt Dennington and David Stiff.

Min Patel remains as vice captain, batsman Matt Walker and spinner Rob Ferley are close to agreeing new deals.

But talks are ongoing about the future of former England paceman Martin Saggers after an injury-plagued campaign.

Director of cricket Graham Ford said: "I believe we have made good progress in a number of areas this year but as always we are looking to improve the squad for next season particularly in the seam bowling area."

Key, meanwhile, will spend the winter in Perth as part of the National Academy squad and will also provide cover for England's Ashes squad.

His selection has provided a welcome boost after a season in which he has under-achieved with the bat, scoring 731 Championship runs.

The decision not to offer Fulton, 34, a new contract is no surprise, after he said he was thinking over his future.

He marked his departure with an innings of 155 in the match against Middlesex and said: "It's with great sadness, but not bitterness, I leave the club I have played for for 15 years and supported since I was a boy."