Thorpe unlikely to play for New South Wales

Graham Thorpe, the former England middle-order batsman, is unlikely to play for New South Wales (NSW) in the 2005-06 season.

Trevor Bayliss, the NSW coach, said that keeping in mind the objective of developing players for the national team, Thorpe would be considered for selection only after the fringe players were given opportunities to play. "We are hoping he doesn't play as I have said before," Bayliss was quoted as saying by AFP "and he is aware of that but we will have to see how the season pans out".

Brad Haddin, the NSW wicketkeeper-captain, added that the prospect of Thorpe playing was remote. "He is there if we need him but if the players are doing the job they are meant to do, I don't think there will be any need to pick him," Haddin said.

Thorpe will play for UTS Balmain, a Sydney club, and Bayliss felt that his experience would be valuable for the team. "It is very difficult these days to get blokes like Mark and Steve Waugh, and Mark Taylor, who have played 100 Tests, it is very difficult to get guys like that around practice, other than one or two times a year. So to have someone there full-time after Christmas will be a benefit to our young guys."

Thorpe retired from international cricket after he was left out of the England squad for the Ashes series in July. Thorpe is said to be considering Australia as a permanent residence option.