Kent end Hockley's second stint

James Hockley, a middle-order batsman and occasional off-spinner, could not command a first XI spot in his second spell

Kent have released batsman James Hockley with immediate effect, ending his second spell with the club.

Hockley, 31, rejoined Kent in 2009 following a six-year absence in which he went into teaching at Marlborough House School, continuing to perform with distinction in the Kent League Cricket.

But he has struggled to forge a regular place in the Kent side in his second year back with the club.

Hockley has been out of the first team since the Spitfires’ Friends Provident t20 win over Somerset on July 18.

Kent team director Paul Farbrace said: "I would like to thank James for the contribution he has made to Kent cricket.

“He has been an excellent squad player and worked hard in his second attempt at county cricket, after a period out of the game.

“The time is now right for him to move on and concentrate on his teaching career.”