Thorpe opts to rejoin
England for ODIs

Graham Thorpe is to rejoin his England team mates for the one-day series in India as well as the tour to New Zealand.

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Saturday that Thorpe, who flew home early during the three-Test tour of India in December following marital problems, had made himself available again.

"The past few weeks have been a difficult time for me and my family and I am grateful to the selectors for giving me as much time as I needed to come to this decision," Thorpe said.

"I now firmly believe that I can commit myself fully to cricket again."

The left-handed Thorpe, regarded as England's best batsman, flew home just before the second Test against India in Ahmedabad in December. England lost the three-Test series 1-0 before returning home for a Christmas break.

England chairman of selectors David Graveney added: "We are delighted that he has decided to commit himself in full to the remaining part of this winter's tour programme. He is our leading batsman and I am sure that he will have a significant part to play in both India and New Zealand over the next three months."

Pace bowler Andrew Caddick, who elected not to tour India with the Test squad, has also confirmed his availability for the one-dayers and the tour of New Zealand.

England will announce their squad for New Zealand early in January. The two teams play a one-day series in February followed by three Tests in March.

The one-day squad will return to India on January 10 for six matches against India.

Mail Cricket Editor