Key wants England bonus

Robert Key hopes to break back into the England set-up

Kent captain Robert Key claims playing for England is a far greater lure for him than the money on offer from the Indian Premier League.

Key has not represented his country at senior level since the tour of South Africa in 2004/05.

He steered Kent to victory in the domestic Twenty20 Cup last season but, given the choice, the 28-year-old batsman would rather play Test cricket at this stage of his career than line his pockets with cash from the IPL.

“At the moment, I am desperate to play for England and for me that is more important than anything that might be on offer from India or elsewhere,” Key said.

“Cricketers are not Premier League footballers so you can understand the lure of some of the figures which are being talked about in India.

“Winning the Twenty20 Cup with Kent last year was great and it will be interesting to see how it develops in India but being chosen to represent your country is a massive honour.

“For me, at this time, I am working towards getting myself back in the England frame and that is more important at this stage.

“Perhaps later in my career it is something I might have a look at but, at the time being, it is not one of my ambitions – I am focused on Kent and winning back my England place.”

Key has played 15 Tests for England averaging 31 but has not worn the three lions since England’s 2005 tour of South Africa.

He was appointed Kent captain in 2006 and it had been suggested he was resigned to seeing out his career in county cricket but Key was keen to dispel that myth.

Rob Key last represented his country in 2005 on the tour of South Africa © Getty Images

“I have heard it a few times that since I’ve taken on the Kent captaincy I’m happy with my lot, which is simply not true,” Key said.

“My main ambition when I turn out for Kent his year, my number one priority, is to do enough to be able play for England again.

“Some Kent fans might not like to hear that but, of course, to get that position I’m going to have to score a lot of runs to convince the selectors which can only be good for Kent.

“So I don’t see pressing my international claims as something which is necessarily separate from Kent’s goals this season.

“International cricket is a pretty cut-throat business and I need to be making sure I am scoring enough runs to be knocking on that door.

“I don’t expect tea and cakes with England selectors and coaches but if I am scoring runs, hopefully I’ll get the recognition I deserve if a spot comes up.”

Key revealed he had spent part of the winter break improving his game in Australia with Neil ‘Noddy’ Holder, who has helped Justin Langer, Mike Hussey and Ian Bell among others.

“I sat down to try and work out how I can become a better player and it wasn’t cheap to fly my family and myself over to Australia but I see it as an investment,” Key added.

“I worked with Noddy and my first question to him was ‘I want to get back in the England team – how you can you help me?’

“He helped analyse and improve my game. I spent eight weeks in Perth training, working on a number of aspects of my game and I feel a much better player now.

“I managed to get in the England side before and hopefully I can get close again. I certainly feel I have a lot of unfinished business as far as England is concerned.”