LONDON (Reuters)
England batsman Graham Thorpe, ruled out of the fifth Ashes Test through injury, has declared his availability for the winter tours of India and New Zealand. Thorpe suffered a broken hand bone in the second Test against Australia at Lord's a month ago and has not played since. The 32-year-old was a key member of the England side last winter on their victorious tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. "Missing out against Australia has also made me realise that your cricket career is only temporary and that you must make the most of it while you can," Thorpe told the cricket4.com website.

"Recently I was examining my future in the game and wondering how my body would take playing cricket for 12 months a year. This injury has freshened me mentally though, and I have made myself available for the whole winter. Now I'm just looking forward to getting back out there and joining up with the guys again."

Thorpe was left kicking his heels as England recorded their superb fourth Test victory over Australia at Headingley on Monday. "This summer has been one of complete frustration and I'm sick and tired of sitting at home not being able to play cricket," he said. "It has been a difficult time and equally as frustrating as the serious back injury suffered a couple of years ago."

Thorpe said he was still hoping to play again for his county Surrey before the end of the summer. "At the moment I'm still unable to pick up a bat and do anything more than have a few throw downs," he said.

"The pain in the hand is still there and the specialist has told me not to do anything at all over the next couple of weeks. There is a good chance I'll play again before the end of the season, though. I'm looking at trying to get a couple of games so I can get match fit once again."

England play three Tests in India between November and January and three more in New Zealand between February and April next year.

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