KENT batsman Rob Key goes into this week’s first npower Test against Zimbabwe at Lord’s hoping to cement his place in the England side.

Key returned from last winter’s Ashes series after notching his maiden Test half-century and having finished fourth in the tour batting averages.

Yet the 24-year-olf right-hander is determined to convert his promising newcomer tag into something a little more permanent in the eyes of the England selectors.

"The Ashes tour was good for me, but disappointing at the same point," said Key after hearing of his inclusion in the England squad.

"Having had numerous opportunities at the start of my Test career to seal my place in the side I was guilty of throwing them away off my own bat. So now is the time to cement my place and establish my England career.

"I’ve had a taste of it now and it’s no longer a case of seeing how I go. Playing against Australia, you can almost settle for little scores and think you’re doing all right, but that won’t be the case against Zimbabwe.

"I have to be tougher on myself and less prepared to settle for second best."

Though Key has struggled for consistency and runs at the start of Kent’s domestic campaign, he feels the time his right for him to fill his boots at the top level and make his mark at the ‘home’ of cricket.

"I feel I’m due a big one," he added. "If I felt out of touch I’d be slightly worried about things, but I’m seeing it well and have no worries about my form and have no complaints about the way I’m seeing the ball."