He convinced the England selectors he was worth a gamble for the tour to Australia, and was given a place in the squad only to later pull out.

However, he insists he has regained his appetite for the game, and told the Daily Mail: "I have missed it this winter, and am keen to play all the cricket I can this summer - including one-day internationals and Tests."

The first opportunity Thorpe will have to make his one-day international return is June's three-match NatWest Challenge against Pakistan, which is quickly followed by the NatWest Series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.

"I know I cannot look too far ahead and any decision is up to the selectors, but I need those types of goals," he said.

"I suppose I will not know until May how much cricket my body can take, but I have been training hard and feel fit.

"Duncan Fletcher was good to me through my troubles. He said: 'See how you come out at the other end'.

"Well, the good news is, I'm facing the future with confidence. I'm a realist. I know there will be a clamour for England to turn to youth, but I am only 33 so I think I have time on my side.

"I've picked myself up. I do not like the way I left things last summer. I would not want to be remembered for that.

"I'm learning to accept things, and I realise I have a job to do."