Graham Thorpe ‘seriously ill’ and receiving treatment in hospital

The former England cricketer and coach Graham Thorpe is “seriously ill” and receiving treatment in hospital, his family has announced.

Thorpe, 52, was recently appointed as the head coach of Afghanistan’s men’s team after losing his role as England’s batting coach following their 4-0 defeat in the Ashes.

A statement released by the Professional Cricketers’ Association on behalf of Thorpe’s family, 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.”

Thorpe, who played 100 Test matches for England between 1993 and 2005, was named as Lance Klusener’s successor in charge of Afghanistan at the end of March.

More details to follow …