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'So sad': Cricket world reeling over 'horrid' Graham Thorpe news

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·5-min read
Graham Thorpe, pictured here speaking to the media after the fifth Ashes Test between Australia and England in January.
Graham Thorpe speaks to the media after the fifth Ashes Test between Australia and England in January. (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

The cricket world is holding its breath for England great Graham Thorpe after news emerged on Tuesday that he's "seriously ill" in hospital.

The Professional Cricketers' Association revealed on Tuesday that the former England batter and assistant coach has been hospitalised and is receiving treatment.

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The PCA released a statement at the request of Thorpe's family, which read: "Graham Thorpe has recently fallen seriously ill and is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

"His prognosis is unclear at this stage and we ask for privacy for him and his family at this time.

"Our thoughts are with Graham and his family."

The 54-year-old served as England's assistant coach on their Ashes tour of Australia earlier this year.

He had recently accepted the job of Afghanistan head coach following his departure from the England set-up after the 4-0 defeat against Australia.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board, who confirmed Thorpe's appointment in March, tweeted: "We stand with Graham, his family and friends in this critical situation.

"The thoughts and well wishes of the Afghan nation and the ACB are with Graham and his family for his soonest recovery."

Graham Thorpe and Nasser Hussain, pictured here celebrating after a Test match in 2000.
Graham Thorpe (L) and Nasser Hussain celebrate after a Test match in 2000. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images ) (Getty Images)

The England team posted on Twitter: “All of our thoughts are with Graham Thorpe and his family. We’re with you, Thorpey.”

English county side Surrey described Thorpe as a "favourite son".

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Graham, his wife Amanda, and family at this time," they wrote on Twitter.

"He is an icon of the English game, known by millions of cricket fans and forever a favourite son of Surrey CCC."

Supporters group the Barmy Army wrote: “Our thoughts are with Graham Thorpe who has recently fallen seriously ill and is receiving treatment. Get well soon Thorpey.”

Graham Thorpe, pictured here with wife Nicola and son Henry.
Graham Thorpe with wife Nicola and son Henry. (Photo by Tim Ockenden - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images) (PA Images via Getty Images)

Cricket world reeling over Graham Thorpe news

Thorpe played 100 Test matches for England, scoring 6744 runs at an average of 44.66.

The stylish left-hander made 16 centuries at Test level, while also appearing in 82 one-day internationals for his country before retiring in 2005.

Thorpe started his coaching career in Australia, working with the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner in the NSW side.

He then joined the England and Wales Cricket Board as a batting coach.

He then worked as assistant with the senior side under Trevor Bayliss and Chris Silverwood, and stepped up to lead the team in the Sydney Test in January when Silverwood was out with Covid-19.

It was the only match of the five-Test series that England didn't lose, holding on for a thrilling draw on the final day.

with agencies

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