Robert Key has been named as Graham Thorpe's replacement for this winter's Ashes tour.

Key, who opened the batting in two Tests against India this summer, was chosen ahead of Mark Ramprakash, who had been widely tipped for a recall, once Thorpe had withdrawn for personal reasons.

"The selectors considered various options but we wanted to maintain continuity in terms of selection," said David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors. "Robert played two Tests this summer, one at Trent Bridge and one at Headingley, which was a difficult wicket, and he showed a lot of promise.

"Michael Vaughan began his international career in the middle-order and we have no problem with considering Robert for any batting position either."

Key, who had originally been overlooked for a place at the ECB Academy as well, was understandably ecstatic at the news. "I am thrilled," he said. "To tour Australia is something I have wanted to do ever since I was a kid. I had planned for a winter off, taking it easy at home and playing some hockey before Christmas and then going to Perth and working on my game in the New Year so this has come as a big surprise.

"I was pleased with my summer. My plan was to make the Test team and I achieved that. I felt in good shape in the Tests and I got a start in each one but did not make the most of it after doing the hard work. I now need to establish myself in the team.

"I have spent quite a lot of time in Australia. It's a great place to play cricket and the wickets are probably the best batting wickets in the world. I'm looking forward to it."

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