Batting legend Thorpe ‘seriously ill’

The cricket world was in shock last night after it emerged that Graham Thorpe, one of england’s greatest batsmen, was seriously ill in hospital. A statement released by the Professional Cricketers’ Association, at the request of Thorpe’s family, said the prognosis was ‘unclear’ for the former england and Surrey batsman. There were no further details about Thorpe’s condition, with his family requesting privacy. Thorpe, 52, was just about to embark on a new challenge as coach of Afghanistan after being sacked as england’s assistant coach following the Ashes debacle. he was respected as a batting technician throughout the camp, having playing 100 Tests and scored 16 centuries. But his spell with the side ended in controversy when he was pictured drinking with england and Australia players in the early hours in Tasmania after the 4-0 series defeat. Thorpe (right) took his sacking phlegmatically, saying: ‘I’ve had a good run. Life moves on.’