The chances of Graham Thorpe being available for this winter's Ashes tour were dealt a blow with the news that he had decided to extend his break from the game until the end of the season. Thorpe, who retired from one-day internationals in July, announced that he was withdrawing from all forms of the game after the Lord's Test against India. His personal problems had been well documented, and he explained that he wanted to spend some time with his two children.

It had been hoped that he would return before the end of the season, but following a meeting with Paul Sheldon, Surrey's chief executive, it seems that will not happen. "It is extremely unlikely that Graham will play for us again this season, Sheldon said. "His availability to tour Australia this winter is a matter for the England management, however."

Thorpe, who insists that he has no intention of retiring, now risks missing out on one of the lucrative central contracts which will be offered to up to 16 players at the end of the summer.

More importantly, it means that he is almost certain to miss out on the Ashes tour. Given his current state of mind, he might not go even if he is picked.

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