TO THE illustrious list of Graham Gooch, Nasser Hussain, Marcus Trescothick and Graham Thorpe you can add the name of Kent’s Rob Key.

The other four Test stalwarts were the only England batsmen to score double centuries in the previous 15 years and Key joined the select band with his imperious 221, scored over the opening two days of the Lord’s Test.

After an 11th hour call-up to the squad as stand-in for Mark Butcher, Key grabbed his opportunity with both hands to bat for seven hours against the inexperienced West Indies’ attack.

Facing up to the nation’s press at Thursday’s close-of -play conference in the Lord’s museum, Key revealed his pride at the achievement of a maiden Test century as well as the boyish sense of humour that makes him a popular member of the dressing room.

“Reaching the hundred was the best feeling I’ve ever had playing cricket, and something that I will obviously never forget,” said the 25-year-old from Beckenham.

“It was incredibly humid out there and, as I got into the 70s, cramp hit me very suddenly with pain in my hands and arms. I had to call our physiotherapist on for some water and tablets and that helped me get to the hundred.

"I probably didn’t use the 40 minute lunch break as well as I could have, instead of re-hydrating I was out the back having a couple of fags! It was a harsh lesson to learn.”

Key admitted he felt pressure early in the innings, realising this was his one opportunity of the summer to stake a claim for an extended run in the Test side.

“There was a lot riding on it, that’s for sure. It was tough going at first because I knew this was likely to be a one-off game for me, and perhaps the only chance I would get in this series. Had I got out early, then that would have been it for me in terms of Test cricket this summer.

“Also, coming off the back of the Twenty20 Cup wasn’t really ideal in terms of preparation and I didn’t really come into this match in the greatest of nick. I wasn’t hitting the ball that well before lunch, but I kept telling myself to hang in there and eventually the form would return and we’d get something to hit.”

Having survived the sledging of Australia’s Brett Lee on his debut Ashes Tour last winter, Key was fully prepared for the wide-eyed glares and Caribbean jibe from Tino Best – indeed, Key revelled in the fight.

“He said so much to me, even from the first ball, that I really can’t remember anything specific, but it certainly made for an interesting time. His last spell was as quick as his first and you always know you’re in a fight with him because he’ll run in all day and keep asking questions of your technique and temperament.”