England release Key

England have released Robert Key from their NatWest Series squad so that he can play for Kent in their Frizzell County Championship match against Nottinghamshire at Maidstone starting on Wednesday. Key, who was also freed to turn out in yesterday's National League game against Glamorgan, will remain on stand-by for the NatWest Series squad in case of injury.

"Following England's qualification for the NatWest Series final, the selectors have reviewed the composition of the one-day squad," David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, explained. "As was the case with Steve Harmison, who played for Durham last week, we have decided that it would be in England's best interests if Robert Key were to have some match-practice in the longer form of the game ahead of the forthcoming Test series.

"The other 14 players will remain with the squad and continue preparations for the game against South Africa at Edgbaston tomorrow and the NatWest Series final at Lord's on Saturday. "