FORMER England all-rounder Mark Ealham believes Rob Key's international career will flourish after scoring his maiden Test half-century in the Boxing Day Ashes Test.

Ealham, who won eight Test caps and played in 64 one-day internationals, reckons 23-year-old Key has all the right qualities to make him a Test regular.

The Kent opener recovered from a second-ball duck in the first innings at Melbourne to hit 52 in a shade over two hours second time around as England showed signs of improvement.

Though Australia went on to secure a 4-0 series lead with a tense five-wicket win, Ealham feels Key and the England squad should take heart from the performance.

"I stayed up and watched Rob's innings on TV and feel his confidence will rocket now he has this score under his belt," said Ealham.

"After getting a great ball in the first innings, a 95mph yorker from Brett Lee straight on the boot, he showed great character in the second dig.

"I thought he played really well and feel he will go from strength to strength now. It's all about the challenge to Keysy. He wants to play against the best and show them he's a good player."