Thorpe's availability evokes much cheer Graham Thorpe is definitely no David Gower. But he is England’s best batsman these days. No wonder then that England’s chairman of selectors David Graveney greeted the news of the Surrey left-hander's availability for the one-day series against India with much cheer. "I now firmly believe that I can commit myself fully to cricket again and I hope to play a full part in both the one-day series in India and the one-day and Test series in New Zealand," said Thorpe, who is going through a difficult period in his personal life. Graveney was very happy to hear these words from his star batsman. "The selectors appreciate that this has been a difficult time for Graham and we are delighted that he has decided to commit himself in full to the remaining part of this winter's tour programme.” Andrew Caddick, England’s premier new-ball bowler, also confirmed his availability for the second leg of the Indian tour after withdrawing from the first citing security reasons. It is though not known if Caddick will be added to the one-day squad which has already been announced.

Accolades, an OBE and a surprise announcement Just when experts around the world are talking about him as the best person to lead England since Mike Brearley in the 1980s, Nasser Hussain made a statement that ruffled a few. Add to this the fact that it was announced that Hussain would be awarded Order of the British Empire for his contribution to English cricket. Hussain told The Sun newspaper that he would step down as captain of England after the 2003 World Cup. "I took over from Alec Stewart after the last World Cup and it would complete a natural cycle," Hussain is quoted as saying. The 33-year old Essex man has been at the helm of an England revival, with the side winning two of its last three tours to the subcontinent. Recent losses to the old enemy Australia and India have done little to dent his rock-solid reputation. It's unusual for a cricketer to announce something like this so much in advance, but Hussain has his reasons. "I don't want to stay in the job too long. The World Cup would be a good time to step down and let someone else take over," said Hussain. Under his leadership, England have lost just nine of twenty-seven Tests. If an Indian captain had a similar record, he would do his best to lead the side till he was unceremoniously de-throned! Hats off to Nasser for keeping his head firmly on his shoulders despite success, accolades and even widespread recognition.

From Gavaskar to Tendulkar, Bedi to Kumble; Gatting's top cricketers Former English skipper Mike Gatting sure likes India. Or Indian bowlers at least. His best Test score (207) and one-day international score (115*) came against India. The former Middlesex middle-order bat told an Indian website that Sunil Gavaskar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Sachin Tendulkar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Gundappa Vishwanath were the best Indian batsmen he played against. "Simply the best going around today. I think Sachin has the ability and the temperament to go past Sunny's (Sunil Gavaskar) batting records, and that speaks a lot," Gatting is quoted as saying of Tendulkar. When it came to bowlers Gatting named Kapil Dev, Bishan Singh Bedi, Anil Kumble, L Sivaramakrishnan and Javagal Srinath as the toughest to negotiate. 'LS' who has played so little Test cricket is probably the googly among the bunch, but that choice apart, there are few who would argue with Gatting's choices!

Did You Know invites you to broaden your cricketing knowledge and bamboozle your friends at the same time. Click Here Not yet a member of the most happening cricket community? Join Stumped - CricInfo's online cricket club. Click Here Watching cricket is second in excitement only to playing the game. Hone your skills at CricInfo's coaching site. Click Here