Thorpe happy to wait

Graham Thorpe has insisted he is prepared to wait for his England comeback. Thorpe was overlooked for the squad against South Africa, with Anthony McGrath keeping his place in the middle order.

Talking to The Daily Mail, Thorpe, who has not played for England since last summer, said: "What gives me hope is the discussions I've had in recent days with David Graveney and the coach, Duncan Fletcher. They've given me nothing but positive vibes.

"Just because I haven't made the team for Edgbaston, I'm not giving up hope of ever playing for England again. I don't see this exclusion as the end of my England career or feel that the door has been firmly shut in my face."

He added: "Given the climate of English cricket and the way things can change quickly, I know I'll have a good chance of being picked if a vacancy arises."