Aussies Indifferent To Thorpe Tour KO

Thorpe has made himself unavailable for a trip which begins in about three weeks.

Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist said: "I really don't think that will change our thoughts or what we want to do.''

He added: "Obviously he is a class player, so you would think on paper it is going to weaken them a little bit - but they have done well without him too.

"Thorpe has got good numbers against Australia and is one of England's top players, so it is a setback for them," Gilchrist conceded.

"It is obviously a very difficult time for him, and it was on and off again during the last Ashes series in England when he had injuries.

"But we do not spend a lot of time worrying about what their team is going to be. We will see what they turn up with for the first Test and deal with it."