The duo join a squad that includes Yorkshire spinner Richard Dawson, Essex wicketkeeper James Foster and pace duo Simon Jones and Steve Harmison.

Dominic Cork, Craig White, Robert Key and Alex Tudor have all missed out on the trip.

Surrey left-hander Thorpe took a complete break from cricket earlier this summer following the breakdown of his marriage.

But after several meetings with the selectors over the last few weeks, they have been satisfied Thorpe is ready to return to international cricket and will fly out with the rest of the squad from Heathrow on October 17.

Yorkshire fast bowler Gough has not played a Test since losing to Australia at The Oval a year ago after being troubled by a knee problem all summer, but has also been included in the squad subject to him passing a fitness test.

"Graham Thorpe has had to cope with a difficult period in his personal life and the selectors talked at length - both with Graham and among ourselves - about this winter's programme and how he will cope with being away from home for a long period," explained chairman of selectors David Graveney.

"What impressed us all was Graham's determination to get back into the Test arena.

"His desire to play international cricket is as strong as ever, he remains one of our best batsmen and, as selectors, we are convinced that England will only be the stronger with a fully fit and committed Graham Thorpe in the tour party."

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who has recently had a hernia operation, Michael Vaughan (knee operation) and Jones (rib injury), will also be monitored for their fitness levels before the squad's departure.

Graveney believes the make-up of the squad - six batsmen, two wicketkeepers, two spinners, an all-rounder and five fast bowlers - will also give England a better chance of dismissing Australia twice in a Test.

"Reflecting on the team's performances this summer, we have been mindful of the need to strengthen our ability to bowl sides out twice and give ourselves a greater chance of winning matches," he said.

"Simon Jones and Steve Harmison are both terrific prospects who should find the conditions in Australia to their liking and their inclusion will create genuine competition for places in the pace bowling department."

England's 16-man squad for this winter's Ashes tour:

Hussain (capt), Trescothick, Vaughan, Butcher, Thorpe, Crawley, Flintoff, Stewart (wkt), Foster (wkt), Giles, Dawson, Gough, Caddick, Hoggard, Harmison, Jones.