Former England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe has passed away at the age of 55. He left lasting legacy as he influenced hundreds of the cricketers.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) mourned the loss of one of the country’s most distinguished cricketers.
During his extensive cricket career, Thorpe participated in 100 Test matches for England from 1993 to 2005. Recognized for his technical expertise and endurance as a left-handed batsman, he accumulated 6,744 runs in Test cricket with an average of 44.66, including 16 centuries. His adaptability and skill were further evident as he also played in 82 one-day internationals for England.
Thorpe's Test debut against Australia in 1993 was a standout moment, as he impressively scored an unbeaten 114. His highest Test score of 200 not out was achieved against New Zealand in 2002, showcasing remarkable determination. Thorpe's pivotal contributions during the challenging era of English cricket in the 1990s established his reputation as a dependable and gifted middle-order batsman.
Following his retirement from professional cricket in 2005, Thorpe made the transition to coaching, where he continued to make a positive impact on the game. He started his coaching career in Australia with New South Wales before becoming part of the England coaching staff in 2010. Throughout the next ten years, Thorpe played a significant part in the development of England’s cricket talent and strategies, contributing to several memorable victories.
In March 2022, Thorpe was named head coach of the Afghanistan national team. Unfortunately, his time in this role was cut short due to a serious illness, which prevented him from fully taking up the position. Despite this hurdle, his coaching legacy continues to be influential.
In a statement, the ECB emphasized Thorpe's extraordinary career and his adored standing among teammates and fans. "More than one of England's finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world," the ECB said.
Leading the tributes were former captain Michael Vaughan and current England captain Ben Stokes, who discussed Thorpe's influence both on and off the field. Thorpe was an inspiration to Stokes, who honored him by donning a special shirt during a 2022 match. Regarding him, Vaughan called him a "legend" and a "brilliant team-mate."
The Surrey Cricket Club, where Thorpe played first-class cricket throughout his whole career, also offered their condolences. Surrey's chairman, Oli Slipper, expressed the club's and its supporters' deep sorrow. "Graham is one of the great sons of Surrey, and there is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again," Slipper stated.
Among the many accomplishments throughout Thorpe's career was his 1997 Wisden Cricketer of the Year award. He was a remarkable player of his day because of his technical proficiency and determination. Beyond his playing days, Thorpe left a lasting legacy as a coach who influenced the careers of numerous young cricket players.
