Graham Thorpe has once again changed his mind over his appetite for international cricket, indicating he feels ready to try to win back a place in England's Test and one-day sides.

Talented a batsman that he is, his latest Paulian conversion may, however, fall on deaf ears in the corridors of power.

Thorpe was given a place in the Ashes squad last autumn, but subsequently pulled out of the tour for personal reasons.

That followed his decision to retire from one-day international cricket last summer, and an early withdrawal from England's tour of India last winter.

So despite his recent somewhat chequered commitment to the England team, and indeed the team's reshaping for the future. Thorpe feels he still has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

"I have missed it this winter, and am keen to play all the cricket I can this summer, including one-day internationals and Tests," he said.

"I know I cannot look too far ahead and any decision is up to the selectors, but I need those types of goals."

"I suppose I will not know until May how much cricket my body can take, but I have been training hard and feel fit.

"Duncan Fletcher was good to me through my troubles. He said: 'See how you come out at the other end'.

"Well, the good news is, I'm facing the future with confidence. I'm a realist. I know there will be a clamour for England to turn to youth, but I am only 33 so I think I have time on my side.

"I'm really up for my cricket. I'm confident I can play my best and then it's up to others to decide whether I should play for England.

"I want to play all I can, and that means I would love to be in the squad.

"I've picked myself up. I do not like the way I left things last summer. I would not want to be remembered for that.

"I'm learning to accept things, and I realise I have a job to do."

25 Feb, 2003