Graham Thorpe is expected to advise England's selectors whether he is available for the one-day tour of Indian next month within the next 48 hours.. It had originally been reported that chairman of selectors David Graveney had given Thorpe until Boxing Day to make us his mind, but this has been denied by Graveney, "It's obviously a very difficult time for him," said Graveney. "All we've said to him is to give him maximum support and time. But he also realises that we've got to be fair to everybody else and inform them in due time."

Alec Stewart, who initially declined to tour India after allegations there that he was involved in match-fixing which were later rejected by the ICC, said last week he was now available for the one-day tour there. Graveney refused to say whether he would be a possible replacement for Thorpe but added: "I'll certainly have a chat to him. I'm pleased that he's changed his mind and it's something we'll have to talk about. I'm not prepared to say either way. You've got to remember that people have already been selected." England lost their three-match test series in India 1-0 but had the upper hand in the rain-affected third Test in Bangalore which finished on Sunday. Stewart's replacement, James Foster, was widely regarded as one of the tour's success stories. Nasser Hussain has strongly hinted that Foster's place in the side is assured for the one-dayers, as originally planned. "It's nice to hear that Alec has made himself available but the one-day squad has been selected," Hussain told Monday's Evening Standard newspaper. "But, in the future, Stewart's name will be in the hat. We've been spoiled by having Alec Stewart - a world-class batsman and wicketkeeper - around. "Fossie can improve but he doesn't have to be Alec Stewart yet. He has to be Alec Stewart in two to three years."

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