Thorpe still backing England

Graham Thorpe has urged England and their supporters to remain upbeat about this summer's Test series against South Africa.

Thorpe's name is again in the frame for a recall following that innings thrashing at Lord's last weekend.

But he said: "The most important thing is that everyone has to be positive still about English cricket and not get too down about it. We've had bad starts to series before."

Thorpe made 36 last night as Surrey beat Gloucestershire by 66 runs at The Oval to move level on points with their visitors at the top of National League Division One.

That result put championship favourites and Twenty20 Cup winners Surrey back on course for a treble. But whether or not they soon lose Thorpe's services depends on the verdict of England's selectors, who are meeting on Friday to pick their squad for next week's Third Test at Trent Bridge.

"I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who think they might be at Trent Bridge," said the 34-year-old left-hander, who has not played for England since last summer.