Former England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe has died aged 55. He left a lasting legacy as he influenced hundreds of cricketers.
During his extensive cricket career, Thorpe played 100 Test matches for England between 1993 and 2005. A left-handed batsman, recognized for his technical expertise and endurance, he amassed 6,744 runs in Test cricket at an average of 44.66, including 16 centuries. His adaptability and skills 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 against New Zealand in 2002, showing remarkable determination.
After his retirement from professional cricket in 2005, Thorpe switched to coaching where he continued to positively influence the game. He began his coaching career in Australia in New South Wales before joining the England coaching staff in 2010. Over the next ten years, Thorpe played a significant role in the development of England’s cricketing talent and strategies, contributing to several memorable victories.
In March 2022, Thorpe was appointed as the head coach of the Afghanistan national team. Unfortunately, his time in this role was cut short by a serious illness that prevented him from fully assuming the role. Despite this obstacle, his coaching legacy is still influential.
In a statement, the ECB highlighted Thorpe’s extraordinary career and his admired status among teammates and fans.
The tribute was led by former captain Michael Vaughan and current England captain Ben Stokes, who discussed Thorpe’s influence on and off the field. Thorpe was an inspiration to Stokes, who honored him by wearing a special shirt during the 2022 match. As for him, Vaughan called him “a legend” and “a great teammate”.
He also offered his condolences to Surrey Cricket Club, where Thorpe played first-class cricket throughout his career. Surrey chairman Oli Slipper expressed his deep sorrow for the club and its supporters. “Graham is one of Surrey’s great sons and there is tremendous sadness that he will no longer be passing through the gates of the Oval,” Slipper said.
Among the many achievements during Thorpe’s career was his award as Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997. He was a remarkable player of his time due to his technical prowess and determination. After his playing days, Thorpe left a lasting legacy as a coach who influenced the careers of many young cricketers.
