Graham Thorpe has spoken of his delight at his selection in England's Ashes squad following his decision to take a complete break from cricket earlier this summer.

Thorpe hasn't played since the first Test between England and India at Lord's back in July, and plans to make his Surrey comeback in tomorrow's championship match against Hampshire at The Rose Bowl.

"I'm delighted to have been picked having not played for five or six weeks," Thorpe said. "There was a lot of doubt as to whether I'd go and it's up to me now to repay the faith the selectors have shown in me.

"I feel the break has given me the chance to clear my mind and address the off-field issues which were there before. Everything is now more settled in my private life and I'm looking forward to playing cricket again.

"I'm hoping to play for Surrey tomorrow and I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. It will be nice to have a bat in my hand again and I know that I'm going to have to work hard in the run-up to the tour because Australia is a tough place to tour."

Durham fast bowler Steve Harmison is also thrilled by his selection alongside Glamorgan's Simon Jones.

"It's everyone's dream to play against Australia, and I'm no different to anyone else and I'm going out there to enjoy it," Harmison said.

"I got injured at a bad time and that didn't help, but I was involved in four Test matches this summer and played in one that I really enjoyed and I thought I'd done well enough to be in with a shout of making the squad.

"Australia will be tough. To be a great side you have to beat Australia and I think we can go there and give them a good game. I think this is the best chance we've had for a long time to beat them, with batters in form and firepower amongst the bowlers."

Jones added: "It's been very frustrating for me having this injury over the last couple of months and now I'm really pleased the selectors have shown faith in me - I'm going to be working hard over the next few weeks to make sure I'm fully fit.

"I think the winter I spent with the Academy in Australia has prepared me well for what's going to come and I know in my own mind what to expect. It's going to be really hard work. They're the best side in the world but I'm looking forward to it."

Essex wicket-keeper James Foster, who will go on the tour as understudy to Alec Stewart, was relieved to be selected after missing most of the summer with two successive injuries.

"It has gone pretty badly to be honest. It has not been a summer cricket-wise because of injuries so this has been absolutely great news and a great relief. It was a tough one. I did have a lot of doubts but was delighted to hear the news today.

"The way this year has gone I didn't know what was going to happen. I have a lot to prove this winter. I was disappointed about getting injured but I am going to have to try to do my best as understudy to Alec and just be a professional on the tour."

Surrey fast bowler Alex Tudor admitted he was surprised at his omission, although he will still travel to Australia as part of the England academy. Tudor will still travel to Australia this winter, but only as part of the Academy side.

"I am surprised and disappointed not to be included in the Ashes tour party," Tudor said. "It is every player's dream to tour Australia and I had hoped to retain my place in the England squad.

"However, I am still only 24 and hope that if I continue to work hard on my game I can still fulfil my dream. I wish the team the best of luck and hope they can bring the Ashes back home."

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