Thorpe inclusion for Ashes tour 'huge challenge'

GRAHAM THORPE has described his inclusion in England’s 16-man party for this winter’s Ashes tour as ‘‘the biggest challenge’’ of his career after taking time out from cricket to resolve his personal life.

The Surrey left-hander has not played a competitive match since announcing he was taking a complete break from cricket in the aftermath of his marriage breakdown after the Lord’s Test against India last July, prompting fears his mental state may not be up to a tough tour of Australia. He has held several meetings with the selectors and yesterday they revealed their decision to take the gamble of selecting him having been persuaded he has rediscovered his enthusiasm and passion for cricket during his time away.

It is a huge show of faith from the selectors and one Thorpe is keen to repay during the three-month tour as he attempts to rediscover a work ethic he admits was missing during his darkest hours earlier this summer.