ROB KEY and Geraint Jones have been included in the 16-man England squad to tour South Africa this winter.

And there was double the reason to celebrate as batsman Key chose the moment to announce he is committing his long-term future to the county. He has rebuffed approaches from Surrey to stay at St Lawrence.

Announcing his decision to extend his Kent career into a seventh season, Key, the first batsman to 1,000 runs this summer, said: “I’m obviously delighted about my inclusion on the tour and am looking forward to the challenges ahead. I’m also very pleased to have committed my long-term future to Kent.

“We are at a very exciting stage in our development and have a group of particularly talented young players. I look forward to working with them and to playing a full part in a successful future for the club.”

Welcoming the news, Kent’s newly-appointed chairman of cricket Graham Johnson, said: “Robert’s had an outstanding season with Kent and England and we are particularly pleased he has chosen this moment to commit his future to Kent.

“Over the last 18 months Kent have been proud to provide four players for the full England side and three for the Under-19 cause. These achievements are an indication of the exciting times ahead for the club.”

Sadly, there was no place on the tour for Kent’s other England hopeful Martin Saggers who has been out of the game for a month with a knee injury. He plans to play club cricket in South Africa this winter should England need a replacement player at short notice.