by Patrick Gearey

Kent skipper Rob Key has been named in the England squad for the World Twenty20 next month but has missed out on the captaincy.

The 29-year-old batsman had originally been the favourite to
lead the side when regular captain Andrew Strauss was not named in
the original squad - but he has lost out to former one-day skipper
Paul Collingwood.

Key has led the England Lions on several occasions but has not
played for the senior side for four years.

He has been a successful skipper of Kent in Twenty20 Cup cricket
- leading them to victory in 2006 and a runners-up finish a day
later.

Key was diplomatic about the captaincy. He said: "It has been
sort of a funny period because I was talked about as captain for a
bit and I didn’t know if I was going to be in the squad, or whether
I was going to be captain - but it’s nice to be there.

"When you are not playing for England you will do anything to
get back in the team. [Being captain] would have been an
unbelievable honour but also a tough job."

Simon Willis, Kent professional cricket manager, said he was
delighted at Key's inclusion in the squad.

He said: "I'm very pleased for Rob. He has worked hard over a
number of years to get back into the national squad and hopefully
he will get an opportunity to show what he can do."

Key's opening partner, Joe Denly, missed out on inclusion having
been included in the original development squad.