Danny
26-05-2005, 12:30 PM
Not an injury related article, but major news for the domestic cricket scene in Australia.
Thorpe to play for Blues
May 26, 2005
FOXSPORTS
ENGLAND Test batsman Graham Thorpe said today he would play cricket for New South Wales next season.
Thorpe, 35, had been expected to retire from international cricket at the end of the upcoming Ashes series against Australia.
The gritty left hander will join NSW midway through the 2005-2006 season in January next year and play until March, effectively ruling him out of England's tours to Pakistan and India.
He could still be considered for the Pakistan tour, but selectors would be unlikely to take him as the side then goes to India in February.
Thorpe, who wins his 99th cap for England in the First Test against Bangladesh starting at Lord's tomorrow, will become the first overseas player to play domestic state cricket in Australia since Ian Botham in 1987-1988.
He will play for a Sydney grade club and assist in NSW coaching as well as being available for the 2004-2005 Pura Cup champions.
"At this stage of my career, it makes sense to start planning for the future and this is an excellent opportunity for me to develop my career in a new environment," Thorpe said.
"I will be using the time to enhance my coaching qualifications and looking to contribute as much as I can to their cricket on and off the field.
"I informed Duncan Fletcher and David Graveney of my plans yesterday and have also assured them that as far as this summer is concerned, I will be giving all my attention to the forthcoming Test series against Bangladesh and Australia."
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Thorpe was considered lucky to be selected for the Bangladesh Test after a poor start to the county season and pressure from Hampshire batsman Kevin Pietersen.
But he was given the nod and his good record against Australia should earn him a place for the Ashes, which looks like being his final Test series before retirement.
"I started against Australia, maybe I'll finish against them," he told today's Daily Mail newspaper in Britain.
"I've got to play well enough to get in, but I'd love to have another crack at them.
"If our bowling attack fires then we've got a chance, but it will have to fire."
Thorpe currently plays under former NSW coach Steve Rixon at English county club Surrey.
Thorpe to play for Blues
May 26, 2005
FOXSPORTS
ENGLAND Test batsman Graham Thorpe said today he would play cricket for New South Wales next season.
Thorpe, 35, had been expected to retire from international cricket at the end of the upcoming Ashes series against Australia.
The gritty left hander will join NSW midway through the 2005-2006 season in January next year and play until March, effectively ruling him out of England's tours to Pakistan and India.
He could still be considered for the Pakistan tour, but selectors would be unlikely to take him as the side then goes to India in February.
Thorpe, who wins his 99th cap for England in the First Test against Bangladesh starting at Lord's tomorrow, will become the first overseas player to play domestic state cricket in Australia since Ian Botham in 1987-1988.
He will play for a Sydney grade club and assist in NSW coaching as well as being available for the 2004-2005 Pura Cup champions.
"At this stage of my career, it makes sense to start planning for the future and this is an excellent opportunity for me to develop my career in a new environment," Thorpe said.
"I will be using the time to enhance my coaching qualifications and looking to contribute as much as I can to their cricket on and off the field.
"I informed Duncan Fletcher and David Graveney of my plans yesterday and have also assured them that as far as this summer is concerned, I will be giving all my attention to the forthcoming Test series against Bangladesh and Australia."
Advertisement:
Thorpe was considered lucky to be selected for the Bangladesh Test after a poor start to the county season and pressure from Hampshire batsman Kevin Pietersen.
But he was given the nod and his good record against Australia should earn him a place for the Ashes, which looks like being his final Test series before retirement.
"I started against Australia, maybe I'll finish against them," he told today's Daily Mail newspaper in Britain.
"I've got to play well enough to get in, but I'd love to have another crack at them.
"If our bowling attack fires then we've got a chance, but it will have to fire."
Thorpe currently plays under former NSW coach Steve Rixon at English county club Surrey.