Fabian Cowdrey has brought the Cowdrey era at Kent to an abrupt halt by leaving the county by mutual consent less than two weeks before the start of the new season. His decision is expected to call time on his county career at the age of 24 as his life enters a new chapter.

Cowdrey, grandson of Sir Colin Cowdrey, one of Kent's most influential figures, and son of Chris Cowdrey, another former England captain, if briefly, will probably smile wryly that a story recording his farewell has barely begun without referencing his more famous relations.

For all that, Cowdrey was a vital component of a Kent Twenty20 squad that has grown into one of the most respected in the country. His batting potential was apparent from an early age but he also responded to the demands of a Twenty20 age by turning himself into a more-than-capable left-arm spinner in the shorter format.

Only those closely connected with Kent will recognise how demanding the Cowdrey legacy is, especially playing in front of an elderly Championship crowd which is easily tempted to explore its memories of a more successful period in Kent's history.

Cowdrey was a graduate of the Kent Cricket Academy and joined the professional staff in 2011 before making his first class debut the following year.

"I'd sincerely like to thank Kent for allowing me to fulfil my childhood dream," he said. "Through my darkest hours as a player, I will never forget the amount of pride and honour I felt walking out to represent the club that so many great players and family have done before me.

"It was not an easy decision for me and I am sad to be leaving Kent; but I believe for the club and for my own well-being it is the right time to leave. I was proud to have followed in the footsteps of my father and grandfather and play for my home county."

Cowdrey scored seven half-centuries and took 34 wickets in 60 appearances in white-ball cricket, a record that underplays his usefulness in the limited-overs formats. He scored two half-centuries in 16 Championship matches.

Graham Johnson, Kent's chairman of cricket and player in a more successful Kent era, said: "We always knew about his batting but his bowling has developed into a useful attribute in the shorter formats. It is sad to see him go and he leaves with our best wishes."