Gilbert excited about Thorpe's NSW arrival

New South Wales chief executive David Gilbert says Graham Thorpe will have a big role to play on and off the field when he arrives in the new year.

Gilbert, speaking exclusively to Cricinfo, said: "I really believe Graham will help New South Wales cricket in many ways. We could lose several batsmen to the Australian Test team for the coming series with the West Indies and South Africa, with men such as Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Phil Jaques and Dominic Thornely all having a chance of selection. If this happens, Graham would be an ideal replacement for the Pura Cup and ING competition teams, as he would also be in injury situations."

Thorpe, who will play grade cricket for the Balmain Club, joined NSW in a predominantly coaching role. "He will also do a great job in the coaching department," said Gilbert. "Particularly with our up-and-coming batters such as Ed Cowan, James Packman and Stephen O'Keefe."

It will be the second time that Gilbert's and Thorpe's paths have crossed. Gilbert was coach at Surrey, where Thorpe has spent his entire career, between 1996-97. "I enjoyed working with Dave when he was at Surrey," says Thorpe. "He was very much a forward thinker in his approach and I look forward to renewing acquaintances with him next January."