Key Replaces Thorpe In Ashes Squad

Thorpe pulled out of the five-Test tour just a fortnight after convincing the selectors of his commitment to the cause, following a turbulent nine months in his personal life.

Thorpe's Surrey team-mate Mark Ramprakash had been tipped to fill the vacant place in the squad, but Chairman of Selectors David Graveney opted for Key after his performances in the second and third Tests against India.

Graveney said: "The selectors considered various options but we wanted to maintain continuity in terms of selection.

"Robert played two Tests this summer, one at Trent Bridge and one at Headingley, which was a difficult wicket, and he showed a lot of promise.

"Michael Vaughan began his international career in the middle order and we have no problem with considering Robert for any batting position either."

Key himself added: "I am thrilled. To tour Australia is something I have wanted to do ever since I was a kid.

"I had planned for a winter off, taking it easy at home and playing some hockey before Christmas and then going to Perth and working on my game in the New Year so this has come as a big surprise.

"I was pleased with my summer. My plan was to make the Test team and I achieved that. I felt in good shape in the Tests and I got a start in each one but did not make the most of it after doing the hard work.

"I now need to establish myself in the team.

"I have spent quite a lot of time in Australia. It's a great place to play cricket and the wickets are probably the best batting wickets in the world. I'm looking forward to it."