Thorpe talks up England

I am sure the coach thinks the current situation is almost perfect Graham Thorpe

Graham Thorpe reckons England are enjoying a boom period because of competition for places unprecedented in the team's recent history.

The veteran batsman said he could not recall selectors having such a hard job in his 11-year international career.

England are riding the crest of a wave at present with eight wins from their last nine Test matches.

Thorpe said: "It is probably the most competitive squad I have played in. Any player would not want to get injured."

Victory over West Indies in the third Test at Old Trafford, which starts on Thursday, would make it six on the bounce and set up a possible series whitewash.

Two players to have forced their way into the Test team this summer - Andrew Strauss and Rob Key - did so as a result of injuries.

"Lots of players are performing in the knowledge that there are lots of individuals on the outside in their mid-20s who are improving," Thorpe added.

"I realise now if I pick up a bad injury it will most probably be the end of my international career and that is why I approach the game the way I do.

Fletcher is currently enjoying his best period as coach of England

"I refuse to look too far ahead. I turn up for the next game, put the work in inbetween and get out there and do my best.

"I am sure the coach thinks the current situation is almost perfect.

"The team is policing itself in many ways. Players recognise if they don't put the work in there will be other people out there who will and I hope that filters down to the counties."

It is 12 months since an injury to nasser Hussain allowed Thorpe to ressurect his international career after a self-imposed exile to sort out personal problems.

The 35-year-old left-hander heralded his return with a century in the defeat of South Africa at The Oval, but he doubts he would have been given the chance today.

"I don't think I would have got in," said Thorpe.

"I realise I have been lucky in that regard but I had to make sacrifices and put the work in last summer to keep myself in the frame.

"I feel everything I do at the moment is such a huge bonus. I am enjoying every minute of it and not taking it for granted.

"The Tests I have been involved in since I came back have been incredible.

"It's the best run I have been involved with in an England team.

"Seeing the guys improving and enjoying their cricket together has been fantastic - the level has definitely been raised since I came back."