Exclusive – Graeme Swann will be Key to England’s hopes at Adelaide

Former England batsman Rob Key believes Andrew Strauss's men could grab the first win of the Ashes in Adelaide – if Graeme Swann finds his form.

Swann claimed just two wickets in the opening Test at Brisbane, while batsmen Strauss, Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott took the plaudits.

The focus will be on the bowlers on a flat Adelaide track – and Key claims Swann could be England's matchwinner.

He told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “Swanny is a bit of a trump card although he didn't go as well as he would have liked at the Gabba.

If you have a spinner who can get you wickets and hold his end up at the same time, then it is a positive move.

“My guess is that you'll have four days of a run-fest then it will kick off on the last day. It happened last time, it went pear-shaped for England. It could go the same way, but with England on top.”

Some have called for England to drop a batsman in favour of a four-man seam attack, but Key added: “Ian Bell is playing so well, so you wouldn't quite know who to leave out.

“If it is a flat batting wicket then you will need more bowlers. But if it is going to seam around the place like it did at the Gabba then you might need an extra batter.

“But there is no doubt in my mind that England will stick with the same team.”