Robert Key has had a difficult time recently. Competition for batsmen places in the test side are hotting up by the minute. The development of Bell and Pietersen give the selectors headaches. When Butcher lost his number 3 spot, Key grabbed his chance wit both hands, playing brilliantly. He impressed everyone and it looked like he had stolen the place off Butcher. But now 2 young, dashing batsmen have entered the arena. Bell's favourite position is number 3, and is normally used there for Warwickshire. He has made an excellent start to the county season and fully deserved his selection or the first test. Not only did he edge out Key, but also Pietersen, who many tipped him as the favourite to be selected. But his bad start with Hampshire cost him dearly. Only recently has he hit form, but this new-found form is putting him in good stead for the Ashes. Key is certainly not out of the frame. He will have his chance with Kent, and knows that a few centuries under his name wil ease the pressure and increase his chances. It will be a close race to see who will win selection, but we may see the finest English batting when they battle it out. Key told the BBC that he is desperate to have a crack at the Aussies and is determined top find his place in the side again.

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