LONDON, Sept 6: England, fired by Graham Thorpe’s 124 and Marcus Trescothick’s Test-best 184 not out, reached 436 for four late on the third day of the fifth and final Test against South Africa on Saturday.

Thorpe, making his comeback after more than a year in exile, was bowled by Jacques Kallis at The Oval shortly before tea as England replied to South Africa’s first innings 484.

Thorpe, who helped put on 268 for the third wicket, ruled himself out of all cricket last year during his marriage break-up and then further angered England’s selectors by ruling himself out of the Ashes tour at the last minute.

South Africa lead the series 2-1. They have not won a series in England since 1965.

Later Thorpe said he had “exorcised a few demons” after making a century in his comeback Test.

The Surrey left-hander last played for England 13 months ago after the break-up of his marriage.

“I couldn’t have asked for more,” he said after being dismissed for 124. “It’s great to come back into the team and prove your worth.

“To score a hundred on your return, and on your home ground, I couldn’t have written it better.

“It was probably harder than my debut because I desperately wanted to do well.”

The 34-year-old, regarded as England’s best middle-order batsman and who also made a century on his debut 78 tests ago, ruled himself out of all cricket last year during his personal problems.

He further angered England’s selectors by ruling himself out of the Ashes tour at the last minute late last year.

Many predicted he would never play for his country again but he was recalled after a string of young players failed to make their mark.

Thorpe, who added 268 runs for the third wicket with Marcus Trescothick, is now well placed for selection for England’s winter tours.

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