Robert Key has impressed both as a captain and a batsman (Getty)

Kent captain Rob Key is optimistic that he will get another chance to play for his country in the Test arena.

Key believes scoring runs in county cricket helps to keep him in the selectors' eye, and that another opportunity will come up soon.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "There's a handful of us who get our runs in the county game and, if you're doing your job, you get recognition."

Key played his last Test for England in South Africa over three years ago.

The East Dulwich-born 29-year-old, who captained Kent to victory in last summer's Twenty20 Cup, has already received evidence this season that he is still in the selectors' thoughts.

Only last week he was chosen to lead the England Lions against New Zealand at The Rose Bowl in the tourists' final warm-up before the Test series started.

Key has made 15 Test appearances for England scoring 775 runs at an average of 31, his only century being the 221 he struck against the West Indies at Lord's in 2004.