Thorpe returns to Surrey

Surrey have announced that Graham Thorpe will join the county as a specialist batting coach next season.

Thorpe represented Surrey 189 times in first-class cricket and will coach both the full side and academy players.

Thorpe, who has 100 England Test caps, spent 17 years at The Brit Oval before retiring in 2005.

In a statement released on Surrey's official website, http://www.surreycricket.com, Thorpe said: "I've been associated with the club for three decades, I'm passionate about Surrey doing well and am looking forward to working with the players, cricketing staff and everyone involved with Surrey to bring back success to the club as soon as possible."

Since retiring three years ago, Thorpe took up a coaching role with Australian state side New South Wales.

The left-hander, whose contract will be reviewed at the end of every season, believes his time in Australia has helped him prepare for his new role.

"Coaching in Australia has helped me a lot," he told Sky Sports News. "It doesn't matter how much you play, it's still very important to do an apprenticeship and build your knowledge as a coach.

"You can have all the runs under your belt in the world but you need to know how to apply it as well.

"Passion is ultimately the most important thing you need as a player and a coach.

"When I stopped being a player I had to have a look at coaching in Australia to see if I still had the passion and enjoyment to be a coach."