Cricket: Key unlocking door to second test

HOBART - Robert Key scored an unbeaten century to guide England to an honourable draw on the last day of their three-day tour match against Australia A yesterday.

Key made 174 not out from 385 balls before England declared their second innings at 310 for five to ensure an early finish after starting the third and final day at 96 for three.

They had no hope of winning after being forced to follow-on the previous day when they were dismissed for just 183.

But with the second Ashes test against Australia starting in Adelaide on Thursday, the tourists were still desperate to get in some valuable batting practice and avoid the humiliation of defeat by Australia's second-string team.

Key, 12th man in the first test, played the leading role with a powerful display to bring up his first hundred for England and his 11th at first-class level.

The 23-year-old Kent batsman was at the crease for almost six hours and hit 18 fours to press his claims for selection in the second test, offering just one difficult chance on 87.

Key also shared in a 174-run partnership for the fourth wicket with John Crawley.

They batted through the first two sessions to save the match before Crawley retired hurt on 55.

Crawley, who top-scored with an unbeaten 43 in the first innings, was content to play a more patient role, but suffered a bruised right hip when struck by fast bowler Brad Williams.

He batted with a runner until tea, but did not return after the interval with the match safe, giving some of his team-mates a chance to bat.

England lost allrounders Andrew Flintoff and Craig White cheaply in the last session before Key and wicketkeeper James Foster held on until stand-in captain Marcus Trescothick declared 40 minutes before the scheduled close of play to end the match with no result possible.

Key only came on tour when Graham Thorpe pulled out.

But he could not be faulted yesterday for the way he put his hand up for promotion into the test side, who were humiliated when they were bowled out for 79 in their second innings of the opening match at Brisbane.

The tricky part might be where to fit him in.

Lefthander Trescothick and Michael Vaughan are, at least for the moment, the established opening pair, while England captain Nasser Hussain sat the Australia A game out and obviously must return.

Mark Butcher and Crawley both made half-centuries in the first test and Alec Stewart, who made a pair at No 6, is the preferred wicketkeeper.

Apart from a fine opening spell by Ashley Noffke, the Australia A bowlers rarely threatened on an easy-paced pitch yesterday.

Spinner Nathan Hauritz picked up two late wickets when it no longer mattered.

- AGENCIES