KENT opener Rob Key top-scored with a determined 47 as England were today on course for another Ashes humiliation on the opening day of the third Test Down Under.

Key, dismissed for one in each innings of the second Test defeat in Adelaide, demonstrated excellent technique during his 136 minute innings only to fall to the final ball before tea from part-time seamer Damien Martyn. He was unforttunate to get an inside edge onto his stumps.

England were all out for a lowly 185 on what is regarded as the the world's fastest pitch.

Despite captain Nasser Hussain winning the toss for the third time in the series and deciding to bat first, the tourists were humbled against Australia's battery of pace bowlers inside only 64.2 overs. But Key could be well pleased with his day's work.

England were in further trouble when Australia batted. At the close the home side were just 59 short of parity on 126 for two.