Graham Thorpe SACKED by ECB as he becomes England’s third victim after disastrous Ashes tour

GRAHAM THORPE is the latest victim of England’s post-Ashes clear-out.

The assistant coach has been given the chop after the disastrous 4-0 drubbing Down Under.

He is the third official to lose his job as interim cricket director Andrew Strauss takes the axe to England’s faltering set-up.

Head coach Chris Silverwood and managing director Ashley Giles have both departed this week as Strauss eyes a fresh start 

Thorpe said: “I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with so many good players and coaches who I consider my friends for life.”

And Strauss added: “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.”

Test skipper Joe Root has been backed to lead the side in the upcoming tour of the West Indies next month.

Questions had been raised as to whether he should continue as captain after failing to win any of the last three Ashes series.

But the batsman has been given a vote of confidence by Strauss, who vowed to bring in coaches who would ease the pressure on the struggling talisman.

Strauss said: “Having spoken to Joe it is absolutely clear the extent of his commitment to moving this England team forward.

“He’s got incredible motivation and energy to do that. He’s bruised, hugely disappointed by what went on in the Ashes and I think it goes without saying there are many others in the same boat on that one.

“But he has the respect of the players, they all play for him, and he sets a magnificent example both on and off the field so I’m very happy to give him my support and make sure he has the right structure around him to take pressure off him and make sure he can do his job.”