England captaincy conundrum, personnel problems and other issues facing Rob Key

When Rob Key played his 15 Test matches for England, it was during the side’s rise from the gutter to the very top of the Test game.

The latter 10 of those matches included eight wins and one draw, as England charged up the rankings, eventually reaching No 1.

It would be inaccurate to suggest he played an essential role. He scored just the lone century – a double – in that time. But at least he was there while a transformation was taking place.

Now, after being named as the managing director of English cricket, he is tasked with bringing about just the same thing - raising a once proud side back to the top of the game.

Key’s appointment feels like a shot in the dark. He has always talked a very good game, both in the commentary box and in his newspaper column, yet has little management experience beyond his role as a captain of Kent in county cricket.

He does not fit the standard for a sports administrator. That might be no bad thing, but in his previous positions in the media he had all the power with no responsibility. There will certainly be pressure as he attempts to turn around a Test side in the doldrums.

His own playing experiences might prove valuable to draw on. He had a better career than the self-deprecating subtitle of his autobiography – “Tales of a Journeyman Cricketer” – would suggest.

Crucially, he was part of a highly successful England Test side, vacating the team just before they crested with the 2005 Ashes.

Joe Root has stepped down from his role as England Test captain and talk has begun over who will next step into the position. Swipe or click through the gallery to view five potential candidates. Reuters

One of Key’s closest mates during his playing days with England was Andrew Flintoff. In the