LONDON. July 6: Graham Thorpe became the first England player for 20 years to make a century on his Test debut on Tuesday, reports Reuter.

Thorpe's unbeaten 114 helped England reach 422 for six before they declared to set Australia a victory target of 371 on the final day at Trent Bridge.

The - Surrey left hander, who resumed on 88 with England 362 for six. needed only eight balls to complete his century.

He Joined an elite band of 14 England players who have scored a hundred on their Test debut.

The last one to achieve the feat was Frank Hayes against the West Indies at the Oval in 1973. ‘

Thorpe's great moment came in the fifth over of the morning when he hooked Brcdon Julian for four. He hit 11 fours In his innings which lasted 340 minutes and was scored off 280 balls.

England declared after Thorpe and Nasser Hussain (47 not out) had stretched their seventh wicket stand to 113 with 60 runs off 10 overs.

The declaration gave the England bowlers 77 overs In which to bowl out Australia and reduce the current 2-0 series deficit.

England passed 400 for the first time In 11 Tests.