Cricket: Time For England to Bring Robert Key Back Into The Fold

The much-maligned England top order have long been in need of a thorough shake-up, with batsmen failing to find consistency and getting starts but failing to produce the big scores. Prior to his century against New Zealand, there were calls for Andrew Strauss to be dropped from the side altogether. But isn't there someone we have forgotten?

Following an extended period in the international wilderness, Robert Key has gone on to produce a streak of form in county cricket comparable to anything seen by a British batsman in recent years. He backed this up with a third century against a New Zealand touring side on Monday, hitting an unbeaten 178, including 27 boundaries in a fine knock. Backing up his fine form earlier in the season, he is surely overdue to feature in the selectors' minds.

We have seen what a period of self-evaluation in the county sides can do to reinvigorate a player once seen as a bright hope for English cricket. Ryan Sidebottom only played in one Test for his country before being overlooked for the next six years. By the time he was recalled, he was more than ready to take his chance with both hands, producing several match-winning displays on his way to becoming England's premier swing bowler.

Key's previous performances warranted a place amongst Wisden's hallowed cricketers of the year in 2005, a feat which is not accomplished with ease.

Having seen the returns of selecting an enthusiastic, and competitive, cricketer keen to retake their place amongst his country's internationals, isn't it time we gave Robert Key a second chance to prove himself?

He might no longer be a promising youngster, but he is becoming the kind of player England can ill afford to do without.

As Key himself said, "I managed to play a Test match and do pretty well. So it's a good omen".

Let's hope this omen becomes a reality.