Former English cricketer Graham Thorpe passes away at 55

[Gollum]

Om Shanti. One of the rare English batsmen of that era (late 90s, early 2000s) who I liked. 

 

Very underrated. 6800 test runs at average of almost 45, 16 100s. Helped win Eng win test series in Pak and SL, very good against spin, probably best till arrival of KP and Cook.

 

LINK

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

Terribly sad news.

Former England player and coach Graham Thorpe has died at the age of 55.

Forever in the hearts of the cricket family. pic.twitter.com/ywHAyd0GJw

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 5, 2024

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Surrey and England legend Graham Thorpe, MBE.

Everyone associated with the Club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham’s death. pic.twitter.com/gxHcbLK953

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) August 5, 2024

Edited August 5, 2024 by Gollum

[Gollum]

Thorpe joined the ECB in 2010 as lead batting coach, and went on to work as assistant coach to Chris Silverwood with England Men. He was among a number of the team management to depart in the wake of the 2021-22 Ashes.

 

He had been due to take charge of Afghanistan, after being appointed in March 2022, but was unable to fulfil the role.

 

After Thorpe was hospitalised in May, England's newly appointed Test captain Ben Stokes wore a shirt with Thorpe's name and England cap number on the back for the toss at his first match in charge, against New Zealand at Lord's.

 

 

Oli Slipper, Surrey's chair said: "Graham is one of the great sons of Surrey and there is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again. He is a legend of Surrey and brought great pride to the club wearing both the Three Feathers and the Three Lions.

 

"He made outstanding contributions to the club as a cricketer, and as a man, and he will be so sorely missed."

 

Steve Elworthy, Surrey chief executive, added: "Everyone associated with the club is devastated by the tragic news of Graham's passing. He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans.

 

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Graham's family and friends, to whom we will offer any support that we are able to. We ask that everyone respects the privacy of the family at this incredibly difficult time."

 

A tough, counterattacking batter, Thorpe scored a century on debut against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993. He went on to become one England's premier Test batters during the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as a reliable one-day accumulator who featured at the 1996 and 1999 World Cups.

 

His career high point during the winter of 2001-02, when hundreds in Lahore and Colombo helped England to seal memorable series wins in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Twelve months later, he scored an unbeaten double-hundred from just 231 balls to set up victory in Christchurch.

 

However, after touring with England for 10 consecutive winters, the breakdown of Thorpe's marriage in 2002 led to him retiring from ODIs and taking an indefinite break from the game. He returned after more than a year out of the Test side to score a century against South Africa at The Oval, his home ground, and help secure a drawn series.

 

His final England appearance was the occasion of his 100th cap, against Bangladesh at Chester-le-Street, with the emergence of Kevin Pietersen leading to Thorpe being dropped for the 2005 Ashes.

[Gollum]

Like Heath Streak who passed away recently, Graham Thorpe is another player who 90s kids would have followed a lot.

[Nikhil_cric]

Shocking news. Like @Gollum said, he was a fantastic player of spin especially in those 2 series

 

Was a very gutsy ODI batter too in an otherwise soft lineup. 

 

RIP

[singhvivek141]

Known as the "man of crisis" for England.

Was one of the key pillars for Eng cricket team during era of Nasser Hussain.

 

 

[Gollum]

Probably the most underrated player of his era. Not just from England but the whole cricket world. Made tough runs for his side.

[New guy]

He had been seriously ill for over 2 years now. RIP

[rollingstoned]

Will always remember him for his innings in Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the early 00s. 

[nevada]

Very good player and a quiet, reserved type. He scored a century on debut and this ended any chances of a comeback by David Gower. "The King is dead, long live the King" wrote Ted Corbett, the English cricket writer. Thorpe had a very productive and consistent career for the first 7-8 years of his career. 

After that, his marriage broke down when his wife cheated with his friend. Due to this, he dropped out of an Ashes tour that followed, fearing trash talk from the mental disintegration specialist Aussie players. He took an extended time off from cricket and was given up for good but made a comeback and scored a hundred straight away. Despite the set backs he suffered, he still has very impressive career numbers.  Can't believe he is gone, he is just 55! I will remember him for his gritty batting and the quiet, dignified way he conducted himself on the field. 

[putrevus]

RIP , he was too young

 

Very underrated player.

[neel roy]

1 hour ago, Gollum said:

Like Heath Streak who passed away recently, Graham Thorpe is another player who 90s kids would have followed a lot.

one match i remember is the india England 1999 wc game. He was playing really well. Then rain came and play postponed for the day. Next day starts at same score and srinath gets him with an lbw. The lbw was a dubious decision as it would have missed the leg stump by a mile if I remember well. India went on to win the match. He was the highest scorer with 35 odd. Trescothick Thorpe  stewart were the bedrock of English batting in middle to late 90s along with Hussain and Butcher in tests.  Hick came with lot of fanfare but fizzled out. RIP Thorpe

[Austin 3:!6]

Very sad news...one of my favourite English batsman.

 

RIP Thorpe

[Sgattick10]

Just saw this. Sad. 

Haven't seen too much of him just late 90s stuff but a gritty, good looking stroke player. 

RIP. 

[Ultimate_Game]

Very sad news. 55 is way too young. RIP Thorpe.

 

Will always be remembered for the series wins in SL and Pak in early 2000s 

[maniac]

RIP. Was the only quality all format  batsman in the 90s English line up.

[bowl_out]

RIP Thorpe.

 

He tormented us in the 90s in some ODI matches. Gritty good stroke maker.

 

[Lord]

Shocking news.

 

Was a very gritty player and neutralised spin. Perhaps England's best homegrown player vs spin.

 

Too early to go :(

[Bigg Brother]

7 hours ago, Gollum said:

Like Heath Streak who passed away recently, Graham Thorpe is another player who 90s kids would have followed a lot.

True. Remember him getting dropped after arrival of Ian Bell. Classy left hander, was so easy on eyes.

[Need4Speed]

May he RIP, very good against spin.One of the few Eng players I liked.

[Texan]

What a shocker!! I had no idea he was unwell.

 

He was such a fabulous, elegant batsman. He was probably the best English batsman for a major part of his playing career. Enjoyed how he looked very effortless when he was batting. RIP!