The Surrey left-hander complained of stiffness during Thursday's net session at the WACA ground in Perth, but skipper Alec Stewart remains hopeful that Thorpe will be fit to play against Australia.

Coach David Lloyd supervises net practice

Thorpe underwent surgery on his back earlier this year but Stewart said: "If I was a betting man, he would definitely play."

The Test squad will now be announced after Thorpe has taken part in Friday's work-out but the problem could delay Graeme Hick's scheduled return home.

He flew out to Australia as cover when Michael Atherton's long-standing back problem flared up in the build-up to the drawn first Test in Brisbane.

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew "England are likely to play seven batsmen" (Radio 5 Live)

The Worcestershire batsman is scheduled to travel back to England on Monday, but may be asked to stay if there is any further concern about Thorpe or Atherton.

Hick will be part of England's one-day squad for the triangular series against Australia and Sri Lanka in the New Year.