November 18, 2002	Monday	Ramazan 12, 1423

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HOBART, Nov 17: Robert Key scored an unbeaten century to guide England to an honourable draw on the last day of their three-day Ashes tour match with Australia ‘A’ Sunday.

Key made 174 not out from 385 balls before England declared their second innings at 310 for five to ensure an early finish after starting the third and final day at 96-3.

England began the final day at Bellerive Oval with no hope of winning after being forced to follow-on the previous day when they were bowled out for just 183.

But with the second Ashes Test starting in Adelaide Thursday, the tourists were still desperate to get in some valuable batting practice and avoid the humiliation of defeat by Australia’s second-string team.

Key, 12th man in the first Test, played the leading role with a powerful display to bring up his first hundred for England and his 11th at first-class level.

The 23-year-old from Kent batted almost six hours and hit 18 fours to press his claims for selection in the second Test, offering just one difficult chance on 87.

Key also shared in a 174-run fourth-wicket partnership with John Crawley. They batted through the first two sessions to save the match before Crawley retired hurt on 55.

The 31-year-old Hampshire batsman, who top scored with an unbeaten 43 in the first innings, was content to play a more patient role but suffered a bruised right hip when struck by fast bowler Brad Williams.

He batted with a runner until tea but did not return after the interval with the match safe, giving some of his team mates a chance to bat.

England lost all-rounders Andrew Flintoff and Craig White cheaply in the last session before Key and wicket-keeper James Foster held on until stand-in captain Marcus Trescothick declared 40 minutes before the scheduled close of play to end the match with no result possible.