Thorpe unlikely to play for NSW

Thorpe scored 6,744 runs in 100 Tests for England

Batsman Graham Thorpe has been told he is unlikely to play for New South Wales in Australia this season.

The 36-year-old, who ended his 17-year career with Surrey last month, will join the Sheffield Shield champions as assistant coach in January.

But NSW coach Trevor Bayliss says fringe players will be given a chance before they turn to Thorpe.

"We are hoping he doesn't play, he is aware of that but we will have to see how the season pans out," said Bayliss.

Thorpe made his Test debut for England in 1993 but quit the international stage after being left out of the squad for the first Ashes clash against Australia.

In August he announced he would retire from first-class cricket with Surrey and admitted then that a long-standing back problem would limit his appearances.

"I can't see him playing, if we are doing our job there is no reason to pick him," added NSW captain and Test wicket-keeper understudy Brad Haddin.

"He is there if we need him but if the players are doing the job they are meant to do, I don't think there will be any need to pick him."

Thorpe is expected to play for Sydney club side UTS Balmain and Bayliss inists his experience will be invalauble for the squad.

"It is very difficult these days to get blokes like Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor, that have played 100 Tests," said Bayliss. "It is very difficult to get guys like that around practice, other than one or two times a year.

"So to have someone there full-time after Christmas will be a benefit to our young guys."