ROB KEY scored his fifth century in 10 innings to save Kentish pride at The Oval today where the visitors reached 166 for three having been made to follow-on 240 in arrears.

Skittled out for 239 after losing their last five wickets inside the first 65 minutes of day three, Kent appeared in real danger of suffering a three-day defeat until key again came to their rescue.

They lost David Fulton (13), Ed Smith (23) and Matt Walker for a first ball duck as he shouldered arms to a Martin Bicknell in-ducker, before Key teamed up with Michael Carberry to take their side through to tea without further alarm.

Key’s century came in 208 minutes, from 155-balls and with 14 fours and a six and was the 20th of his first-class career.

Carberry contributed 18 to an unbroken stand of 52 for the fourth wicket as Kent moved within 75 of making Surrey bat again.