Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe has passed away at the age of 55, the England and Wales cricket board confirmed on Monday, August 5. Thorpe played 100 Tests for England from 1993 to 2005 and also was a part of 82 ODIs during that time. Thorpe scored 6,744 runs for England in Tests, and hit 16 centuries during his time with the team at an average of 44.66.
On Monday, ECB released a statement on their website confirming the demise of Thorpe.
“It is with great sadness that the ECB shares the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away.”
“There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham’s death.”
“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. His skill was unquestioned, and his abilities and achievements across a 13-year international career brought so much happiness to his teammates and England and Surrey CCC supporters alike. Later, as a coach, he guided the best England Men’s talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game.”
“The cricket world is in mourning today. Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport,” read the statement from ECB.
Thorpe made his first-class debut for Surrey in the summer of 1988 and became a regular player in the 1989 season. He made his England debut in 1993 at age 24, scoring an impressive 114 runs against Australia at Trent Bridge.
Thorpe became a key player in England’s middle order, with his unbeaten double-century against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2002 standing out as a career highlight. This innings included 28 fours and four sixes.
Though his international career was marked by intermittent appearances, he retired from England duty in 2005. Thorpe then transitioned into coaching, initially in Australia, where he mentored players like Steve Smith and David Warner at New South Wales. He later joined the England and Wales Cricket Board as a batting coach.
