Graham Thorpe, Celebrated England Cricketer and Coach, Dies at 55
“Former England Cricketer Graham Thorpe Passes Away at 55” Graham Thorpe, one of the finest batters of his generation, has passed away at the age of 55, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Thorpe, renowned for his counterattacking prowess, played 100 Test matches for England, amassing 16 centuries and appearing 82 times in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His illustrious career also included 17 years with Surrey.
The ECB expressed profound sorrow at Thorpe’s passing, highlighting his immense impact on cricket. “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away,” the statement read. “There are no words to fully capture the shock we feel. Thorpe was not only one of England’s greatest-ever batters but also a beloved figure in the cricketing world.”
Thorpe’s cricketing journey was marked by significant achievements. He captained England on three occasions and held various coaching roles between 2010 and 2022. His skill and achievements brought joy to teammates and fans of England and Surrey CCC. The ECB conveyed their condolences to Thorpe’s family, including his wife Amanda, children, father Geoff, and his wider circle of friends.
Tributes from the cricketing community poured in following the announcement. England Test captain Ben Stokes shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing his sadness. Joe Root, a modern-day batting great, called Thorpe his “hero” and “mentor,” while Stuart Broad reminisced about watching Thorpe bat as a child and his later interactions with him as a coach.
Thorpe made an impressive debut for England with a century against Australia at Trent Bridge. His final Test match was against Bangladesh in June 2005, after which he retired from international cricket. With over 6,700 Test runs at an average of nearly 45, he remains England’s 10th highest run-scorer of all time.
Former captain Michael Vaughan praised Thorpe as “a great player and a brilliant teammate,” while Ben Duckett expressed his heartbreak at Thorpe’s passing, reflecting on his impact as a role model. David Gower, another cricketing luminary, noted Thorpe’s success against top bowlers and highlighted his significant contributions to English cricket, including his memorable innings in Karachi in 2000 that secured England’s first series win in Pakistan in 39 years.
Shaun Udal and Steve Elworthy also paid tribute, with Udal calling Thorpe a “little legend” and Elworthy lamenting the loss, describing Thorpe’s remarkable feats for both club and country. Dean Headley referred to Thorpe as a “warrior” in England’s batting lineup, praising his elegance and style.
Post-retirement, Thorpe continued his involvement in cricket, working with young talents in Australia, including Steve Smith and David Warner. He returned to England as a batting coach and briefly served as head coach for Afghanistan before his untimely illness. Thorpe’s legacy in the sport will be remembered for his exceptional contributions as a player and a mentor.
