Thorpe: Honest over injury

Graham Thorpe, who is still troubled by injury, vowed to be realistic about his fitness as England prepared for their first match in the NatWest Series against Zimbabwe at The Oval on Saturday.

It is now more than twelve months since he was part of the England team which went out of the World Cup in the first round. His requested omission from the Test series in South Africa was followed by him being overlooked for the subsequent limited-overs tournaments.

The Surrey left-hander has not found the way back easy. His early season form has made few headlines, and in his autobiography former England coach David Lloyd described Thorpe as being "surly" and "uncooperative". He has every incentive to get back to his country's colours but is still dogged by a niggling calf injury which could keep him out of this weekend's two matches.

His experience will be missed if he is unfit - both captain Nasser Hussain and Nick Knight are extremely doubtful because of a broken thumb and fractured finger respectively.

Thorpe will not let his desire to win his 55th limited-overs cap deter him from an honest assessment of his prospects. "It's come at a slightly frustrating time,'' said Thorpe, who was restricted to just a few throw-downs in today's light training session at Lord's for those players not still involved in weather-affected NatWest Trophy matches. He injured his calf on the last day of the PPP County Championship match at Southampton and missed the NatWest Trophy clash with Sussex. Five days from the injury he assesses his fitness at 80%.

He will not let his desire to get back let down his team or himself if he is anything than fully fit. The NatWest Series would provide an ideal platform for Thorpe to stake his claim for a place in England's Test team after missing the early Test Matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies.

Thorpe accepts that if he makes an impression over the next three weeks, it could become a springboard for his return to the Test arena. The chance of testing himself against the best opposition is a considerable incentive.

The vulnerability of the batting at Lord's, in spite of England's dramatic victory, could provide an early opportunity for his recall in time for the Third Test Match at Old Trafford which starts on August 3rd.

"I hope that if my form is good enough, I will play Test cricket again," added Thorpe. "I have to think that way because if you don't there are no ambitions for the future and you just cruise through life and I'm not really a cruiser."