The Graham Thorpe who lines up against South Africa in the fifth and final Test at The Oval will be a "different bloke" to the one who last played for England more than a year ago.

The 34-year-old left-handed batsman told a news conference at the ground on Tuesday that his perspective had changed after his exile prompted by his marriage break-up.

"I'm a different bloke, that's the bottom line, a totally different person," he said.

Thorpe gained a reputation for surliness and increasing isolation in the dressing room during his domestic problems but was smiling and looking relaxed two days before the start of the match.

"I might have four years cricket left in me, I don't want the days to slip by," he added. "It's important to keep things in perspective. I could turn up being quite nervous and worried but, to be honest, I'm not. I just want to do the best I can and contribute to England winning the match.

"This is a bonus match for me and an opportunity. I'm under no illusions how tough it's going to be, you don't just walk back into international cricket and expect it to be a doddle, but I have been playing all summer for this challenge."

Thorpe, regarded by many as England's leading batsman in recent seasons and with a world-class average of almost 42 in 77 Tests, last played for England against India in July last year at Lord's.

He opted to take a complete break from the game shortly afterwards but then tested the selectors' patience by making himself available for the Ashes tour of Australia only to withdraw at the last minute.

He has been recalled to replace the injured Nasser Hussain, although several younger batsmen have all failed to impress in Thorpe's absence, leaving the way open for him to reclaim his spot for England's tours of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Thorpe said he had not been in full control of his personal situation before pulling out of the England set-up.

"I would have accepted never playing again for England but I was playing good cricket and felt I still had a chance. I have no qualms about going on tour either.

"I will accept anything that comes my way, whether I get picked again in the future or I don't."

Playing under new captain Michael Vaughan following Hussain's decision to stand down would be interesting, he added, but said he knew him well.

"Every captain is different," he said. "It's a new team with new faces but the same buzz."

He was asked for the key to his comeback. "Enjoyment," he said. "I'm philosophical and optimistic at the same time."