His timing was considered so bad that several indignant former players and commentators demanded that he never be selected again.

Thorpe, however, had one rather significant ally arguing his case -- class. He soon returned to the Test fold.

There were shades of deja-vu last week when the 35-year-old left-hander suddenly announced he had signed a playing and coaching contract with New South Wales from January next year.

By ruling himself out of the winter tours to Pakistan and India, Thorpe was effectively announcing his Test retirement seven months early. He was also prompting questions about his commitment, while leaving England's disgruntled selectors in a quandry.

Should they retain Thorpe against Bangladesh this week, with the Ashes looming, for his 100th cap or look to the future immediately by turning to a younger batsman?

The fact that they have selected Thorpe for the second Test in Durham starting on Friday suggests that class has again had the last word. It seems certain that Thorpe will remain in favour for the start of the series against Australia in July.

And so he should.

There are fears that Thorpe's eyes and legs are less trustworthy than they once were. His recent struggles in South Africa, culminating in a modest Test average of just under 35, are a worry.

But, an expert accumulator and the most complete batsman of his generation, he remains the anchor of the England batting lineup.

His record against the world champions -- 45.74 runs per visit over 16 Tests, compared to his overall average of 44.22 -- also argues strongly in his favour. This is a man who relishes playing against the best.

England will look more solid with Thorpe at number five and, crucially, his captain Michael Vaughan still wants him there.

"It's down to the selectors but Thorpey has been a tremendous player for England. There are still six Test matches to play and I am sure they are six matches he will want to be available for," he told reporters.

"His experience has been invaluable, especially over the last 12 months. As long as he keeps playing well, as long as he keeps hungry and keeps his body fit, I'm sure he'll make the selection."

Whether he remains in the England team throughout the Ashes, however, is another matter.

His eyes, not to mention his legs, are sure to be fully tested by Glenn McGrath and company. Thorpe is also short of recent form against Australia.

His decision not to tour there in 2002-3 was caused by personal turmoil following the break-up of his marriage. But he barely featured in 2001 either before being sidelined with a hand injury.

And in 1998-99 he also played only one game before bowing to back problems. You have to go back to 1997 to find Thorpe playing a significant role, with a century and a average of 57.78 over six Tests against the Australians.

He has, indeed, played just two of the last 15 tests between the sides. A slow start this time and grumbles for him to be replaced by Robert Key or Kevin Pietersen are sure to be heard.

At the moment, however, despite the selectors' irritation that he did not keep his counsel over his long-term plans for a few months longer, Thorpe looks sure of his place.

Vaughan, for one, did not seem surprised that Thorpe was already planning for life beyond the England Test team.

"We have known for a couple of years," he said with a grin, "that he is quite old."