KENT today welcome their new England opener Rob Key back on board at Edgbaston after the Test batsman was given clearance to play in the four-day championship clash with Warwickshire.

Key, who scored 17 from 50 balls in his maiden Test innings in the draw at Trent Bridge, will go straight into the side to renew his successful opening partnership with David Fulton as second-placed Kent bid to sustain the pressure on leaders Surrey.

In confirming Key's release yesterday evening, Kent's cricket administration manager Simon Willis said: "We have just received notification by email from Phil Neale telling us Rob is available to play for us in Birmingham which is good news.

"I take it the ECB announce their squad for the third Test on Sunday and those selected will have to join up with the England squad on Monday night, which means Rob is clear to play at Edgbaston."

Key's return means that left-hander Matthew Walker, who has been standing in at no 1 in Key's absence and while Fulton missed out through injury, will vie for a middle order berth with James Hockley.

Skipper David Fulton has covered most eventualities and given himself maximum selection options by taking a squad of 13 for the match that includes close-season signing James Hewitt and off-spinner James Tredwell.

Hewitt may push David Masters for his place depending on the state of the Edgbaston pitch, while Tredwell may come in for Min Patel should the former England left-armer fail to shake off a persistent neck problem.

The game also represents the last match in Kent colours this season for Andrew Symonds, who is bound to want to make an impression in his home town before linking up with the Australia A side to tour South Africa.

Hosts Warwickshire include England spinner Ashley Giles for his first four-day match since May, while bowler Alan Richardson (shoulder) and wicketkeeper Keith Piper (finger) appear fit again.

Kent from: Fulton, Key, Smith, Symonds, Walker, Nixon, Ealham, Patel, Khan, Saggers, Masters, Tredwell, Hewitt.