FORMER Test hero Ian Botham has called on England selectors to include Kent batsman Robert Key in the side competing in the Natwest series - before it's too late.

Although named in England's squad for the triangular tournament, Key, who was the country's fastest player to reach 1,000 first-class runs this season, has yet to feature in the series.

The 25-year-old right-hander missed England's top order batting fiasco at Trent Bridge and sat on the sidelines for the humiliation against New Zealand in Durham on Tuesday.

In a repeat of last season's shabby handling of Key, the selectors again appear willing to pick the Kent man while in prime form.

Botham said: "I'm very surprised Rob Key's sitting on his backside instead of playing.

"He was told to go away and score runs, he's done that just so he can carry the drinks for England."

Referring to England's under-achieving players, he added: "England have this habit of picking people who are not good enough."

Key will be hoping for selection in the side to face the West Indies on Thursday.