London, Aug 29: Graham Thorpe will find out today if he will get an England recall this season when the squad for next week's final test against South Africa at the Oval is announced. Left-handed batsman Thorpe, 34, could be back on international duty at his Surrey home ground after former captain Nasser Hussain broke a toe in South Africa's overwhelming 191 run fourth Test win at Headingley.

That result put the Proteas 2-1 up with one to play. Thorpe has not played international cricket in over a year since making the last of his 77 test appearances against India at Lord's last season.

After that match he took a break from all cricket in a bid to resolve personal problems caused by the end of his marriage. Thorpe averages 56.07 in first-class cricket this season and his inclusion would give England a left-handed option in the middle-order.

His Surrey team-mate and wicket-keeper batsman Alec Stewart looks likely to get the oval farewell from international cricket he has looked for since announcing this would be his last series as an England cricketer.

Bowling is likely to provide the selectors with their biggest headache, injuries once again taking their toll. James Kirtley has shin splints while Martin Bicknell, recalled for Headingley 10 years after his last Test, is battling to overcome a hamstring problem.

But Somerset seamer Richard Johnson is fit again after a knee problem while durham quick Stephen Harmison, dropped for Headingley, look set to be recalled.

Bureau Report