Graham Thorpe is definitely the best batsman in the English line-up. He is the most experienced player in the team, having played in 69 Tests and averages 40.89 with the bat. The Surrey left-hander is a class act and a wonderful batsman to watch when in full flow. He doesn't hit the ball as hard as many batsmen do. After having replaced the illustrious David Gower, Thorpe has done well against pace and spin. It is his ability to use the feet against spin and also the ability to play the ball as late as possible, which makes him the player to watch-out during the Test-series. He is going to be the mainstay of England batting and proved just that with a crisp 45 retired hurt against MCA XI.