Former England batter and coach Graham Thorpe 'seriously ill' in hospital

Former England batter and assistant coach Graham Thorpe is “seriously ill” in hospital, the Professional Cricketers' Association said on Tuesday.

Thorpe, who played 100 tests for England between 1993-2005, had been named head coach of the Afghanistan senior men's team in March.

“Graham Thorpe has recently fallen seriously ill and is currently in hospital receiving treatment,” the PCA said in a statement made at the request of Thorpe’s family

“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.”

Former Surrey left-hander Thorpe, 52, was renowned as one of the finest English players of his generation, scoring 6,744 runs in 100 Tests for England, including 16 centuries, at an average of 44.66.

He went on to begin a coaching career in Australia, where he worked with the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner at New South Wales, before joining the England and Wales Cricket Board as a batting coach.

All of our thoughts are with Graham Thorpe and his family. We’re with you, Thorpey