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The Men’s and Women’s teams competing in The Hundred 2024 will wear black armbands during Monday’s (August 5) matches to honor the late England cricket great, Graham Thorpe.
Thorpe, who passed away at the age of 55 on Monday, was a distinguished figure in English cricket, representing England in 100 Tests and 82 ODIs from 1993 to 2005. He made an impressive Test debut with a century against Australia in 1993 and quickly became a cornerstone of the England Test team. Thorpe was also a key player in the ODI team during the 1990s, featuring in the 1996 and 1999 World Cups.
In his Test career, Thorpe accumulated 6,744 runs, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries. Notably, he scored centuries in Lahore and Colombo during the 2000-01 season, contributing significantly to England’s series victories in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He also achieved his highest Test score with an unbeaten 200 against New Zealand in Christchurch.
In ODIs, Thorpe amassed 2,380 runs, featuring 21 half-centuries. Following his playing career, he continued to impact English cricket as a batting coach.
Since the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Thorpe’s passing, tributes have been flowing from all corners of the cricketing world. As a mark of respect, The Hundred teams will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence before the men’s match.
“Following the sad news of the passing of England cricket great Graham Thorpe, #TheHundred players will be wearing black armbands during today’s matches, and a minute’s silence will be observed by all four teams ahead of the men’s match,” Hundred stated in a statement.
On Monday, the Southern Brave and the Welsh Fire will face off in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
ECB’s tribute for Graham Thorpe
Earlier in the day, the ECB honored Graham Thorpe, expressing that the English cricket community is deeply saddened and in shock over the passing of the legendary cricketer.
“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,” stated ECB.
“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,” it added.
