Rob thinks it’s wrong to write us off already
ROBERT KEY refuses to believe that this winter’s Ashes series is already a foregone conclusion.
The former Kent captain, who was part of England’s Ashes side in 2002-03, insists Joe Root and his tourists are just as good as their Australian rivals – even without Ben Stokes.
Key, scorer of a double century for England against West Indies in 2004, rubbished claims that Root is captaining one of the weakest Ashes squads ever.
He said: “We are talking about some of the greatest cricketers England has ever produced.
“This current team has some of the best players in the world in Joe Root, Alastair Cook, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad.
“It’s really unfair to say they’re poor.”
Key believes this could actually turn out to be one of the tightest battles for the famous urn in recent history.
Ahead of the opening battle in Brisbane, he said: “The first Test will be crucial.
“But the Australians have as many gaps and holes as the England team has. They have just as many people trying to prove themselves as England do.
“It’s a good match-up and I don’t think anyone can say at this point who’s going to win. It’s an even-money game.”
How Root copes with the intense pressure of an Ashes series Down Under and where he bats in the line-up will also be vital in the opinion of TV pundit Key, 38.
He said: “He obviously likes batting at No.4 – we just want Joe Root scoring runs.
“Wherever he thinks he can do best, that is where he goes.
“As captain, Joe is going to live or die by his decisions and if he thinks he’s better at four and can score more runs from there it’s a no-brainer.
“He’s got a hell of a lot on his plate and it should be down to him where he wants to bat. He’s the one who has to go out there under all the pressure and deliver.”
An Ashes series can be the making or breaking of a player and Key thinks a future star could be born over the next few months, like Ben Stokes four years ago.
He added: “This is a great opportunity for someone to make a name for himself.
“Whoever does well in this will be an international cricketer for a long time.” Who could that be?
Key added: “This is a massive opportunity for someone like James Vince, who has real potential.
“The same goes for Jonny Bairstow, who is a real class act.”