Worn-down Thorpe opts for complete cricketing break

England batsman Graham Thorpe announced he would be taking a break from all cricket with immediate effect on Monday, saying that events off-the-field had worn him down.

The 32-year-old, who retired from one-day international cricket earlier this month following the recent break-up of his marriage, added that retirement from the game was "definitely not in my mind at the moment".

"What I'm planning to do now is take a break from cricket so I can make my children the number one priority in my life and give myself more time to re-adjust to my changed domestic circumstances," Thorpe said in a statement.

"This has been a very difficult decision for me to make as I have enjoyed being a part of the Surrey and the England dressing rooms this summer and have every intention of continuing my career as a professional cricketer.

"But I am feeling very worn-down and burnt out by events off-the-field, which have become a major distraction for me and prevented me from fully focusing on my cricket."

The left-handed Thorpe announced his decision after England's 170-run victory over India in the first Test at Lord's.

In his absence, England will need to select an extra batsman to play in the second Test at Trent Bridge starting on August 8.

"I'm fully aware of the consequences as far as my England Test place is concerned," Thorpe added.

'ANOTHER PLAYER'

"This will create an opportunity for another player to come into the team and I have had to balance that possibility against the needs of my family.

"Retirement is definitely not in my mind at the moment.

"I feel that I have plenty more cricket in me at the highest level and hopefully this break will recharge my batteries and allow me to resume my career once my domestic situation has been resolved."

Thorpe had announced his retirement from one-day international cricket after England's one-day triangular series final defeat by India on July 13.

"I have made this decision for two reasons," he said at the time.

"Firstly, in terms of keeping my body fit it is becoming harder to do so...I have decided to concentrate on playing Test matches.

"Secondly, I want to have more time to build a relationship with my two children, given my new personal circumstances at home."

Thorpe has played in 77 Tests, scoring 5,109 runs at an average of just under 42.

In the Lord's first Test against India, he made scores of four and one.

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