Lions place may open door for Key

Robert Key will hope to continue his stellar form against New Zealand when he captains England Lions against the tourists next month.

Key hit an unbeaten 178 against the New Zealanders on Monday, his third consecutive hundred against them, and will get a chance to extend that sequence during a four-day match at The Rose Bowl.

Swing bowler Matthew Hoggard, discarded by the Test team, is also among the dozen names on duty between May 8-11.

"In choosing this squad we were keen to show consistency by giving further opportunities to players who were involved with either the Test or one-day squad during the winter or the England Lions," said national selector Geoff Miller.

"There is intense competition for places in the senior squad at present and all of these players will be keen to make an impression on the selectors ahead of the international season.

"Robert Key enjoyed an excellent season for Kent last year, was recently named in the England Performance Squad and he will bring his experience of leading his county to the captain's role."

Hoggard, 31, took eight for 97 in his first County Championship appearance of the season against Hampshire at Headingley last week to begin his case for a Test recall.

"Matthew was left out of the last two Test matches in New Zealand but he is a fighter and he will not want to give up his England place easily," Miller added.

"He has started the season with a strong performance for Yorkshire and this will be another chance for him to show what he is capable of against an international side."