Thorpe was picked only after convincing the selectors he was in the right frame of mind, despite his recent marital problems.

But on Monday night he contacted the England management to say he will not be touring because he does not want to be away from his family.

Graveney revealed Thorpe's doubts resurfaced as the tour departure date - October 17 - drew nearer.

He told BBC Radio 4: "It's obviously a disappointment for the team, but you've got to be sympathetic to Graham in terms of what he has been through in the last few months.

"I've spoken to him in the last few hours. The bottom line is that he didn't want to let anyone down and he couldn't commit himself to going on tour.''

Graveney confirmed Thorpe had made the decision because he did not want to be away from his family.

"Without delving into it publicly, that is why he has pulled out," said Graveney.

"I have no conception of the turmoil that Graham has been through in the last six months. I respect his view and we'll leave it like that."

The Surrey left-hander's absence this winter leaves a middle-order batting spot up for grabs with no obvious candidate to replace him.

"Graham Thorpe still remains one of our best batsmen and we hadn't catered for this situation," added Graveney.

"When Nasser comes back from Sri Lanka, the selectors will link up and we will chose a replacement.''