By Tony Lawrence
LONDON, July 24 - England chairman of selectors
David Graveney has denied that Graham Thorpe retired early from
test cricket because he had been told he was no longer wanted.
Graveney, responding to comments by the 35-year-old Thorpe
in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, told reporters at Lord's that
he had told the left-hander he would remain in the frame for the
rest of the Ashes.
He also denied that England had decided to call up a younger
player ahead of Thorpe if a replacement batsman was needed
during the series.
"When I told him that he wasn't in the team (for the first
test), which was one of the most difficult phone calls I have
had to make, I suggested that, if at all possible, we would keep
the door open for him until the end of the summer," Graveney
said.
He added he had heard suggestions that Thorpe, who was due
to retire at the end of the series, was considering quitting
early after being replaced by Kevin Pietersen for the first test
at Lord's but stressed: "We didn't discuss who was next in line
(for selection)."
Thorpe, who announced his retirement from test cricket on
Friday, told the Mail on Sunday that he had been given the
impression that he would not be called up again, whatever
happened.
"In the end, it was as much what Graveney didn't say as what
he did that settled it for me," he said of his decision to bring
forward his retirement.
"He didn't say, 'You're next in line, so please continue to
make yourself available'. And he didn't say, 'It's all over',
but, as a player, you get vibes about what the selectors are
thinking."
Graveney said he was disappointed with Thorpe's comments and
said he would speak to the player about the matter, saying he
did not want the issue to sour their relationship.
Thorpe, who averaged 44.66 in 100 tests, had been hoping to
end his career by playing in the Ashes but England opted instead
for the uncapped Pietersen batting at five, with Ian Bell,
capped three times, at four.
Thorpe had already announced he would accept a contract to
coach in New South Wales, Australia at the end of the English
season.
He caused surprise with the timing of his announcement of
his retirement, on the second day of the first test.