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Graham Thorpe, the former England cricketer and coach, has died at the age of 55, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board on Monday, August 5. Thorpe, who represented England in 100 Test matches between 1993 and 2005, also featured in 82 One Day Internationals during his career.
Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe has died at 55, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Monday, August 5. Thorpe, who played 100 Test matches for England between 1993 and 2005, also featured in 82 One Day Internationals. Over his Test career, he amassed 6,744 runs and scored 16 centuries, maintaining an average of 44.66.
On Monday, the ECB issued a statement on their website confirming the passing 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.
Graham Thorpe began his first-class career with Surrey in the summer of 1988, establishing himself as a regular player by the 1989 season. He made his debut for England in 1993 at the age of 24, marking the occasion with a notable 114 runs against Australia at Trent Bridge.
Thorpe became a crucial figure in England’s middle order, with a standout performance being his unbeaten double-century against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2002, which featured 28 fours and four sixes.
Although his international career saw periods of limited appearances, Thorpe retired from England duty in 2005. He then shifted to coaching, starting in Australia where he guided players like Steve Smith and David Warner at New South Wales. He later joined the England and Wales Cricket Board as a batting coach.
In March 2022, Thorpe was appointed as the head coach of Afghanistan’s cricket team, but he was unable to take up the role due to health issues.
