"They haven't had their first-choice seam bowling attack because of injuries but they have been able to see what Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson and Chris Tremlett can do. "England now have some real fast bowling options and when Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard come back they will know there are players behind them who are capable of playing at this level. "That will put pressure on them to perform." Thorpe, recently promoted to assistant coach of Australian state side New South Wales, was part of BBC's Test Match Special commentary team at The Oval.
He played his part in England's 11 unbeaten home series with some crucial middle-order runs before retiring ahead of the 2005 Ashes victory after playing in 100 Tests. England have a poor recent record in one-day internationals but Thorpe believes they can turn it around in the series against India, which starts at the Rose Bowl on 21 August. However, he cautioned about expecting too much, too soon from England talisman Andrew Flintoff. "I hope he can get a good run of games because his fitness is vital to the team," added Thorpe. "It will be great to have him back in an England XI but there's still a long way to go for him to prove his fitness. "He's had three operations on his ankle and needs to build himself up and look after himself so he can perform for England over a long period. "But he gives England real options in how their team shapes up. It means in the Test series in Sri Lanka they can play two spinners and two seamers and Flintoff as an all-rounder rather than relying on four bowlers." England take on Sri Lanka in three Tests in November and December before touring New Zealand for three more Tests in February.
Source: BBC Sport
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