England's selectors will name a replacement for Thorpe by Monday after the left-hander reversed his decision to tour on personal grounds.

Thorpe was picked for the tour earlier this month after convincing the selectors he was in the right frame of mind to play despite having taken a break from the game.

But the Surrey star re-contacted the England management on Monday to say he would not be available after all.

"He's been very honest so credit to him for admitting it now rather than getting out there and maybe doing it on the day before the first Test," Stewart told BBC Radio Five Live.

After announcing he would go on the tour, Thorpe returned to form with Surrey, making 143 in a County Championship match against Hampshire.

But his county colleague Stewart said that Thorpe may have realised during that time that he was unable to focus on the game.

"Two weeks with Surrey may have answered a few questions he was asking himself - whether he was totally focused or still thinking about personal affairs," Stewart added.

"If that was the case then he couldn't commit 100% to England."

Gooch support

Graham Gooch, who himself opted out of the 1986/87 Ashes tour after his wife had twins, voiced sympathy for Thorpe.

"Some things do supersede playing sport and getting things right with your wife and children is of paramount importance," Gooch said.