Thorpe resolved to fight for England place

Graham Thorpe: determined © Getty Images

Graham Thorpe has vowed that he is ready to fight for his England Test place this summer. Back spasms, a poor start to the season and a modest winter in South Africa have left him precariously positioned in the England squad; this despite an average of 56 in the last 21 Tests. Thorpe is also aware of the competition for batting spots from Kevin Pietersen and Robert Key, both of whom have been left out of the first Test against Bangladesh which starts a week on Thursday at Lord's, and from his Surrey team-mate Mark Butcher, who is currently injured.

But nevertheless, a determined Thorpe - who has hinted this season may be his last at the top level - has resolved to enjoy however long left he has in the international arena. "At the moment I'm in possession and I'm going to enjoy every day which I get playing for England," Thorpe, 35, told BBC Sport. "I realise there are people out there who are pushing me very hard. That's keeping me going, driving me on.

"I don't think it's going to be too long before you see Kevin Pietersen playing Test matches for England. There are also lots of other good players out there. Robert Key, who I thought was very unlucky to miss out on the Test squad. He's an exceptional player and you've still got Mark Butcher in the wings. That's good for the English game."