Key's half-century not enough to save England Lions from crushing defeat

Englands NatWest Series preparations suffered a damaging setback yesterday as six of the senior squad couldn't prevent the second-string Lions slumping to a heavy defeat against South Africa in Leicester.

Despite a half-century by captain Rob Key, the home side — batting first — posted a meagre total of 184, following a mini collapse which saw three wickets fall for one run in six deliveries.

The tourists eventually cruised to their target with four wickets and 68 balls to spare, with 81 runs coming from an increasingly assertive Herschelle Gibbs on his return to the side.

While South Africa's catching left a lot to be desired, as they put down four chances, they were boosted by Dale Steyn's heartening comeback from a thumb injury.

The paceman, who missed the last two matches of the Test series, bowled below top speed but his nagging accuracy brought him figures of 3-27.

Key made his presence felt early on with a four and a towering six over square leg from successive deliveries by Makhaya Ntini.

But as the Kent skipper stood his ground, others fell away.

Owais Shah was dropped on nought and 20, before cutting to point to depart for 27 and Ravi Bopara ran himself out backing up on 23, having earned a 'life' on five.

When Matt Prior was trapped leg-before for one by Andre Nel and Samit Patel chipped to cover for a golden duck from the next ball, the writing was on the wall.

Luke Wright was just beginning to motor when he fell to a brilliant leg-side catch by stand-in wicketkeeper AB De Villiers.

After Kabir Ali set a negative tone with three wides in the first over of South Africa's innings, Bopara struck in his first over and Wright claimed two wickets amid some loose offerings. Chris Tremlett was unable to impress the watching selectors — conceding 31 runs in five wicketless overs.