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Key dreams of Ashes call

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 13/08/2009

Robert Key has admitted that it would be a dream to be handed a call-up for England's crucial fifth Ashes Test against Australia.

The 30-year-old Kent captain is being talked of as a possible replacement for the out-of-form Ravi Bopara, having played in 15 Test matches earlier on in his career.

Meanwhile, England's national selector Geoff Miller has cooled talk of Marcus Trescothick coming out of international retirement for the fifth and final Test against sportsbook favourites Australia.

With England needing to win at The Oval to regain the Ashes, left-hander Trescothick has been talked of as a possible call-up to take on the Baggy Greens.

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The ECB have confirmed that Kevin Pietersen will leave hospital on Wednesday after having treatment for an infection to a wound made during his recent round of Achilles surgery.

The 29-year-old had hoped to be back in action in around six weeks after going under the knife, but his return may be delayed slightly due to the complication.

In football, David Moyes has repeated his stance that no players will be allowed to leave Everton this summer, as Manchester City continue their pursuit of Joleon Lescott.

The 26-year-old England defender has been the subject of at least two offers from the Citizens, while the Toffees also rejected a transfer request from the player on Tuesday.

Moyes told the club's official website: "I have said all along that I have no intention of selling my best players. Joleon is simply not for sale."

Birmingham City have confirmed that they have received an offer from Grandtop to increase its shareholding in the club.

Grandtop and its major backer Carson Yeung made a takeover offer for the Blues a couple of years ago, but a deal failed to materialise.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has confirmed that striker Roque Santa Cruz is unlikely to be back in action before the end of August.

The 27-year-old Paraguay international is currently recovering from knee surgery and has been unable to play a major part in the club's pre-season preparations.

Australia international defender Lucas Neill is weighing up a number of offers, including one to extend his stay with West Ham United.

The 31-year-old right-back has been targeted by a number of club both in England and elsewhere in Europe and Neill is in no rush to make a hasty decision.

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