Former England cricketer and coach Graham Thorpe has passed away at the age of 55, confirmed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday, August 5. Thorpe’s illustrious career spanned from 1993 to 2005, during which he played 100 Test matches and 82 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for England.
Graham Thorpe Passes Away At 55
It is with great sadness that we share 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. pic.twitter.com/VMXqxVJJCh
— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) August 5, 2024
Thorpe debuted for England in 1993. Over his 13-year international career, he amassed 6,744 runs in Test cricket, scoring 16 centuries with an average of 44.66. His contribution to the team was marked by his solid performances and technical prowess.
The ECB released a heartfelt statement regarding Thorpe’s passing. “It is with great sadness that the ECB shares the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away,” the statement read. “There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham’s death.”
The statement continued, “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.”
Journey From Player To Coach
Rip 🙏 Graham Thorpe#GrahamThorpe #England #cricket#india pic.twitter.com/4eoOBHclRz
— Aman singh (@Amansinsinwar8) August 5, 2024
The cricket world is deeply mourning his loss. The ECB extended their condolences to Thorpe’s family, including his wife Amanda, his children, his father Geoff, and all his close friends. The statement concluded, “We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport.”
Thorpe began his first-class career with Surrey in 1988, becoming a regular player by 1989. His England debut came in 1993 against Australia at Trent Bridge, where he scored an impressive 114 runs. This debut was a sign of the talent and potential he would display throughout his career. One of Thorpe’s standout moments was his unbeaten double-century against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2002. This innings was remarkable, featuring 28 fours and four sixes, highlighting his ability to dominate the game.
Despite some interruptions in his international career, Thorpe retired from England duty in 2005. He then transitioned to coaching, initially mentoring players in New South Wales in Australia, including future stars like Steve Smith and David Warner. Thorpe later took on a role as a batting coach with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
In March 2022, Thorpe was appointed head coach of Afghanistan’s cricket team. Unfortunately, due to ill health, he was unable to assume this role.
Cover Image Courtesy:@Mustajab625/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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