KENT'S cricket captain Rob Key has been overlooked by England as an Ashes replacement for Marcus Trescothick.

The opening batsman, who flew to Perth with the ECB Academy squad, looked destined to win a transfer to the Test party in place of the Somerset plaer, who has returned home suffering from a stress-related illness.

But despite the fact Key finished third in England’s batting averages on his previous tour Down Under in 2002-03, England’s chief selector David Graveney has opted to call up Middlesex bladesman Ed Joyce, who has no Test experience.

Kent coach Simon Willis said: "I assumed, given Marcus is a hugely experienced player and a key member of the side, that England would replace like with like and call up someone like Keysy, who has vast experience of playing in Australia.

"Rob’s record against Shane Warne in recent years is almost second to none, so I would guess he must be disppointed to miss out."