Thorpe content to wait

Thorpe is widely respected by opposing Test sides

Batsman Graham Thorpe is prepared to bide his time while awaiting a recall to England's Test team.

The Surrey left-hander was overlooked for next week's match against South Africa at Edgbaston, with the selectors choosing to keep faith with Anthony McGrath.

Thorpe has not played Test cricket since last summer and is approaching his 34th birthday.

But he has confirmed his availablity for this winter's tours - to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the West Indies - and has been assured that his name is still in the frame.

"What gives me hope is the discussions I've had in recent days with [chairman of selectors] David Graveney and the coach, Duncan Fletcher.

"They've given me nothing but positive vibes," he told the Daily Mail.

"Just because I haven't made the team for Edgbaston, I'm not giving up hope of ever playing for England again.

"I don't see this exclusion as the end of my England career or feel that the door has been firmly shut in my face."

He added: "Given the climate of English cricket and the way things can change quickly, I know I'll have a good chance of being picked if a vacancy arises."

Thorpe has scored more than 5,100 runs in 77 Tests, including 11 centuries, but his best score against South Africa is 79 at The Oval nine years ago.

Yorkshire captain McGrath made a half century in both matches against Zimbabwe earlier this summer and was also part of the England one-day side which won the NatWest Series tournament.