Key hit 24 fours and four sixes in his record innings against Glamorgan

England bowler James Anderson says Kent captain Rob Key is still in contention with England selectors and would be a popular choice with the squad.

With Kevin Pietersen's withdrawal from the Ashes series, Warwickshire's Ian Bell remains favourite to replace him, but Key could also be a possibility.

"Rob's often talked about," Lancashire man Anderson told BBC Radio Kent.

"He's captained the Lions team a few times recently so he's obviously in the selectors' minds."

Key, 30, last played for England at the ICC World Twenty20, but only featured in the first game with the Netherlands before being dropped.

Anderson said: "The players get on with him really well and hope he can get back in the team, so I definitely think he's in with a shot.

"I think he's doing really well at the minute.

"I don't think he started the season as well as he would have liked but that 270 last week obviously shows he's in good form at the moment.

"He's again knocking on the door and asking questions of the selectors and making their job really difficult."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version