England batting coach Graham Thorpe likely be axed for his role in the drinking controversy in Hobart

The Ashes 2021-22 turned out to be an absolute disaster for England. Despite all the hype around the mother of all battles, the visitors went on to lose the series by 0-4. However, their misery wasn't over just yet.

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According to a report by the Mirror, Graham Thorpe's role as England assistant is apparently under huge threat as reports emerged that the police were called to the team's Hobart hotel, due to claims of him smoking a cigar indoors during their drinking session. After the completion of the fifth Ashes Test match, a video emerged of the police breaking up early morning, and asking a few players and Thorpe to leave the vicinity.

These players included Nathan Lyon, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Joe Root and James Anderson. As a matter of fact, the video was shot by the former English batter himself. The ECB then launched an investigation after the video emerged of the police breaking up the party.

“We’ve got Nathan Lyon, Root, there’s Carey and Anderson. I’ll just video this for the lawyers. See you in the morning everyone,” Thorpe was heard saying in the video. However, reports further state that he was seen smoking in the video as well, and the Tasmanian law clearly states that a person is not allowed to smoke indoors as it is against the law.

England then quickly issued a statement where they apologised for 'any inconvenience caused'. They revealed that the Crowne Plaza Hobart management team had "received a noise complaint by a hotel guest". Thus, Thorpe might be removed as the English batting coach.

Besides, following the dismal performance of the visitors in the five-match Test series, it is highly unlikely that he would retain his position. Moreover, even England's head coach Chris Silverwood might be removed as well. The Brits will next take on the West Indies for a series comprising of five T20Is and three Tests. The T20I series starts on January 22.