Rob Key has emerged as the favourite to captain England for the World Twenty20, following Andrew Strauss' omission from the squad.

Key, who led Kent to the domestic Twenty20 title in 2007 and the final last summer, is being strongly tipped for the role.

The other main contenders are Paul Collingwood, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff and Dimitri Mascarenhas.

Key told Sky Sports News: "I suppose if you look at the squad there is a few of us with captaincy experience, but there are a few things to put right before we get to that.

"We need to get a coach in and then see who's in the final 15.

"It would be an unbelievable job (to be captain) - but there are a few who could do it."

England and Wales Cricket board managing director Hugh Morris added: "When the team director is in place he will discuss it with the other selectors, and a decision on the captain will be made before May 1."