BBC SPORT | Cricket | England | England consider Thorpe replacement

England have begun the search to replace star batsman Graham Thorpe after he announced he was taking a break from all cricket.

Who should replace Thorpe? Have your say

Thorpe said he would not be playing for England or Surrey for the foreseeable future while he recharged his batteries.

The left-hander indicated events off the pitch had "burnt him out" - he is in the middle of a bitter divorce - and he would now make children Henry and Amelia the centre of his life.

I'm fully aware of the consequences as far as my England Test place is concerned

Graham Thorpe

Thorpe announced his decision on Monday, just hours after England had beaten India by 170 runs in the first Test at Lord's.

The likely replacements

England's next match is the second Test at Trent Bridge on 8 August and the selectors will announce at the weekend who will replace Thorpe.

They will have to decide whether to go for experience or blood a youngster.

Names in the frame, who could make their debut, include Warwickshire's Ian Bell, Kent's Robert Key and David Fulton.

Bell is a strong contender

If the selectors go for experience, Surrey's Mark Ramprakash, Warwickshire's Nick Knight and Worcestershire's Graeme Hick are all in good form.

Thorpe said on Monday: "This has been a very difficult decision for me to make.

"I have enjoyed being a part of the Surrey and the England dressing rooms this summer.

"I have every intention of continuing my career as a professional cricketer.

"But I am feeling very worn-down and burnt out by events off-the-field which have become a major distraction for me and prevented me from fully focusing on my cricket."

Surrey have backed their batsman - and believe he will come back stronger.

Coach Keith Medlycott said: "At Surrey we respect each and every character that is part of the squad.

"We all understand there are a lot more important things in our lives than hitting a cricket ball.

"In our dressing room there's a lot of respect, love and friendship for each other and you need to understand all the implications of what happens outside of the cricket ground.

"We want him coming back with four or five years cricket left in him."