Hobart: Robert Key hit an unbeaten 174 to save England from defeat in the three-day tour match against Australia 'A' on Sunday.

Key, who only came on tour when Graham Thorpe pulled out prior to departure, batted all day to ensure England didn't go into next Thursday's second Ashes Test in Adelaide against Australia with another loss.

When the captains agreed to end play half-an-hour early, the final scores were Australia 'A' 353 for three declared, England 183 and 310 for five.

Key and John Crawley were the English heroes as they batted through two sessions, putting on 176 for the fourth wicket. They were only parted when Crawley, who suffered a bruised right hip when struck by Brad Williams, retired hurt at tea. Crawley made 55.

Apart from a fine opening spell by Ashley Noffke, the Australia 'A' bowlers rarely threatened England on an easy wicket on the final day. Spinner Nathan Hauritz picked up two late wickets when it no longer mattered.

England lost the opening Test to Australia by 384 runs in Brisbane last weekend.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
England collapses to follow on against Australia 'A'