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Graham Thorpe blog

Graham Thorpe was a mainstay of the Surrey and England middle order for over a decade. The nuggety left-hander scored 6744 Test runs at 44.66 including 16 centuries and he also reached the milestone of 100 Tests. He spent 18 years as a first-class cricketer and was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1998. He was awarded the MBE in 2006 for his services to the game and has now returned to The Oval as the club's specialist batting coach.

Strauss must re-exert his authority

Nov 21 1:52 am

Andrew Strauss's return will be huge for England as they have really lacked leadership on the tour so far in his absence - he has a huge bearing on the team now. Strauss needs to fill his side with confidence because at Centurion they were... Read more...

PREVIOUS JOURNAL ENTRIES

England need bravery to adapt

Thu, November 19, 2009, 3:59 am EST

England needed to re-jig their batting order to reflect the match situation in the second Twenty20 at Centurion and they showed a distinct lack of flexibility in leaving it set in stone. Alastair Cook's side unfortunately reverted back to their... Read more...

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Do not drop dangerous Denly

Thu, November 12, 2009, 10:06 pm EST

I have heard whispers that Joe Denly will be under pressure to score runs early on in the South Africa tour to keep his place - that is ridiculous. When Kevin Pietersen returns there will be an almighty fight for places in that batting line-up,... Read more...

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Banter and belief needed for Trott

Wed, November 11, 2009, 3:48 pm EST

One thing that can never be questioned regarding Jonathan Trott is his mental strength and that should ensure that he is a success in South Africa. Anyone who makes the move to England must possess both a fiercely determined and immensely strong... Read more...

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England can capitalise on SA complacency

Fri, November 6, 2009, 8:05 pm EST

Unlike most people, I genuinely think England are more than capable of beating South Africa in the one-day series. England have always been a confidence side and if the squad can settle quickly then who knows how successful they can be against a... Read more...

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Unconvincing Cook a major gamble

Thu, November 5, 2009, 5:42 pm EST

I am very unconvinced by the selection of Alastair Cook in the one-day and Twenty20 squads - it represents a huge gamble from England. It is nothing but a risky move from the management and he has to show something in a coloured England shirt that... Read more...

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Experience eluded English teams

Mon, October 26, 2009, 9:50 pm EST

The two English sides - Somerset and Sussex - did not set the Champions League on fire, but that was mainly to do with their inexperience of playing Indian conditions. There is not enough international experience in Somerset or Sussex's squads and... Read more...

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Banish fitness doubts for Bangladesh tour

Wed, October 14, 2009, 9:14 pm EST

Banish fitness doubts for Bangladesh tourI am all in favour of key England players being given a break in the winter tour of Bangladesh, including the captain Andrew Strauss. The skipper has suggested that players may be rested for the trip in... Read more...

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Champions League a priceless experience

Tue, October 13, 2009, 5:03 pm EST

The inaugural Champions League in India is an intriguing competition for the public to follow and it has everyone in the game very excited for the opportunities it will create. I would definitely see the tournament as very close to international... Read more...

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Watson and White welcome in new era

Wed, October 7, 2009, 2:55 pm EST

New Zealand had Australia under the cosh early in their innings, but Cameron White and Shane Watson showed immense character in steering their side to victory. Once Watson and White had weathered the storm after Tim Paine and Ricky Ponting had... Read more...

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