The BBC's Jonathan Agnew looks at the selection

Thorpe was rated as only a minor scare when he felt a stiffness in his back during net practice at the WACA on Thursday, but was unable to take any part in England's final work-out before the Test.

His inability to take part prompted England to include Graeme Hick, who flew out as stand-by for Michael Atherton's back problem and was due to return home on Monday, in their 14-man squad as cover.

Dean Headley practising at the WACA in Perth

Angus Fraser was left out in favour of Dean Headley and youngster Alex Tudor, who are both expected to be more effective on Perth's fast and bouncy wicket and are likely to compete for the final spot in England's four-strong seam attack.

Despite claiming 56 wickets in 12 Tests this year, Fraser's omission was completely overshadowed by Thorpe's injury just three international matches into his comeback from surgery to cure back spasms last August.

"His back has worsened overnight," said manager Graham Gooch. "At this stage I would say he is definitely a doubt because he's not been out of the dressing room today. He's lying on the table and not moving very well.

England are still expected to select seven batsman, with Headley favourite to take the final seamer's role alongside Darren Gough, Alan Mullally and Dominic Cork, leaving Mark Ramprakash and possibly Hick to provide an off-spin alternative if required.

Graham Gooch: Not hopeful of Thorpe being fit

Gooch said: "We don't have that many world-class players who can turn the game on their own so we have to work well as a unit. If we do that we can pressure the opposition.

"We are capable but we have to get it all together as a unit. We were fortunate to get out of the last game but that has gone and we have got to concentrate on this game now."

Fraser was naturally disappointed to be left out of the squad but hoped he still had a contribution to make on the remainder of the tour.

Angus Fraser: "Naturally disappointed"

"It's been said that it's a horses for courses treatment, but you always run the risk of the blokes coming in doing well and then it means you have to wait a while for your next opportunity," he said.

"You want to keep your place because you never know when it is going to be your turn to get some wickets and there's no reason why this weekend might not have been my time.

"Good luck to those that get the chance, but we're a group that travels around together with one goal and while I want them to do well I'd like to think I'll be in contention for the last three Test matches.

Glenn McGrath explains his sucess in dismissing Mike Atherton (5 Live)

"I've got 56 Test wickets this year, which is quite an achievement, and who knows, there might still be a few more to come."

The full squad is: Mike Atherton, Mark Butcher, Nasser Hussain, Alec Stewart (captain), Graham Thorpe, Mark Ramprakash, John Crawley, Graeme Hick, Robert B Croft, Dominic Cork, Dean Headley, Darren Gough, Alex Tudor, Alan Mullally.