Thorpe declares himself fit

Graham Thorpe is fit and ready, but will he be picked? © Getty Images

Graham Thorpe, the England middle-order batsman, has declared himself fit and available for selection for the upcoming Ashes series, which could see Kevin Pietersen, who is vying for a place in the side, lose out.

Thorpe, who became the eighth England cricketer to play 100 Tests, said he believed he had given England's selectors "a bit of a headache", according to an AFP report, and is hoping for good news when the first Ashes squad is named on Thursday.

Thorpe hit 73 for Surrey on his return to the county side on Monday and told BBC Radio that his persistent back problems had eased considerably. Pietersen has been pushed forward by many to take Thorpe's place, as Thorpe has already announced that he will take up a coaching role with New South Wales this winter thus ruling himself out of the tour of India and Pakistan. However, Thorpe is counting on his experience winning him the nod for the first Test of the Ashes beginning on July 21 at Lord's. "I had a bit of work done to my back over the last two or three weeks - I had a few jabs in there - and I feel freer than I did a month ago which is good."

Thorpe was satisfied with his knock and said, "I'm delighted with the way I've sailed through this game, really pleased, I've struggled for a few games after the Tests against Bangladesh, but I was pleased with the way I've come through this one. It's [his back] as good as it's felt. Whether I've got enough cricket under my belt I don't know but it felt good". He had promised to give David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, who watched Thorpe's 73 against Gloucestershire, an update on his fitness.

Graveney will speak to Thorpe on Tuesday and see if his back has had a reaction. "I spoke to Graham this morning [Monday] and he was feeling fine," he said. "I shall talk to him again now and tomorrow to see if there is any reaction. When the selectors meet on Wednesday we shall be presented with a detailed medical report on how Graham's back has responded to the series of injections, including the epidural, and we will also take into account the volume of cricket he has played recently. These things will be weighed up before we announce the squad on Thursday"