Thorpe: I still have to earn my Ashes place

Graham Thorpe is refusing to take his Ashes place for granted.

England's most experienced batsman has staked a solid claim to be actively involved in this summer's hottest sporting event.

But despite winning his 100th Test cap and doing everything asked of him during those two one-sided matches against Bangladesh, Thorpe won't accept his name is now inked in to face Australia.

"I'm excited about the Ashes series and I hope to be involved, but I'm under no illusions about my place in the team," said the 35-year-old left-hander. "There are players coming through and I'm going to have to work hard to keep my spot.

"Kevin Pietersen now gets his go during the one-day series and we all know he has made huge strides already. Then there's Robert Key out there scoring runs for Kent, which means the competition is hot."

Based on the Bangladesh series, England could not look further than Ian Bell (227 undefeated runs) and Thorpe (108 not out in two innings) when they choose their middle order for the First Test of the Ashes series on 21 July.

Having confirmed that this summer will be his last as an international cricketer, Thorpe must be dreaming of starring in a fabulous retirement party come September by helping England to regain the Ashes on his home turf at The Oval. Today, though, he is not thinking beyond playing for Surrey against Middlesex in this week's championship match at Lord's.

"It's all gone well against Bangladesh, I'm pleased with what I've done and I'm delighted to have got my 100th cap," he said.