Lions skipper Rob Key has warned England not to take it easy against New Zealand in the upcoming three Test match series, beginning at Lord’s from Thursday.

Key watched the Kiwis from close quarters after leading the England Lions Squad at the Rose Bowl last week.

“They're certainly an improving side, I think,” Key was quoted as saying to Sky Sports.

“I played them in one of their first games on tour and there was a bit more life in the Rose Bowl pitch,” he added.

“They're a very well oiled outfit, really. You can't underestimate them,” Key said.

“They haven't got that legend of the game coming in, there's no Murali, no Warne, that sort of thing, but they're a very well-drilled outfit,” he warned.

“They stick to their plans pretty well and it's our job to negate that and try be as positive as you can. They know their game and they just stick to it and it's whether or not you're up to it,” Key maintained.