England have confirmed that Graham Thorpe has been relieved of his duties as assistant coach in the wake of the side’s dismal Ashes defeat in Australia.
Ashley Giles became the first casualty of England’s 4-0 thumping Down Under as it was confirmed he had stood down from his position as director of cricket on Wednesday.
It was later announced that Chris Silverwood had also lost his job just two years into his tenure as head coach, leaving England’s Test team in a state of disarray ahead of their upcoming tour of the West Indies.
In a brief statement, England said ‘arrangements for the West Indies tour will be announced in due course’ and Andrew Strauss, the interim managing director, thanked Thorpe for his service.
‘I’d like to thank Graham for his work over many years on the England coaching staff and wish him the best for the future,’ Strauss said.
Thorpe, meanwhile, said he felt ‘fortunate’ to have worked with so many people he counts as close friends since taking on the role as assistant coach.
‘I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with so many good players and coaches who I consider my friends for life,’ he said.
An already under-fire Thorpe faced further criticism last month as a result of his involvement in a post-Ashes drinking session in Hobart which had to be broken up by local police.
A video of the incident showed Thorpe identifying those in attendance – including Joe Root, James Anderson and Travis Head – and the 52-year-old could be heard saying, ‘just video this for the lawyers’.
It’s understood Alec Stewart is the frontrunner to take over the reins from Silverwood on an interim basis ahead of England’s three-match Test series in the Caribbean next month.
Mark Ramprakash believes Stewart would be an ‘excellent candidate’ for the role due to his man-management skills and standing in English cricket.
‘I would have thought Alec Stewart must come into the frame. He is incredibly patriotic, so experienced and an excellent man-manager,’ ex-England player and coach Mark Ramprakash told Sky Sports.
‘Again, I would have thought he has the stature that when he thinks about a strategy and a vision for English cricket, people will sit up and listen.
‘Alec Stewart has an excellent knowledge of county cricket, an excellent knowledge of the workings of county cricket and dealing with committees and boards.
‘He is also an excellent man-manager. If he walks into a dressing room, be it a Test match or one-day game, all the players will listen to him. He commands the respect of all the players.
‘I think he is an excellent candidate, I am not saying he will get the job, but I think someone with his credentials is a very strong candidate.’
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