KENT skipper Robert Key did his chances of a Test re-call no harm at all with an unbeaten century on day one of England A's four-day clash with Pakistan in Canterbury.

There was just one blemish in Key's maiden first-class hundred of the summer when on 30, as hey edged a lifting ball from Mohammad Asif only to see wicketkeeper Kamran Afzal, who was struggling with an injured finger, down the chance.

The let-off allowed Key to go on and post 160 for the second wicket with Test rival Ian Bell, who finally went for 74.

Key ended the day unbeaten on 128 with 14 four and a six having batted over six hours.

He celebrated with two more boundaries and further six before stumps as the hosts ended the day on 268 for three.