Follow UsFormer England left-handed middle-order batter Graham Thorpe breathed his last on August 5 (Monday).
Thorpe, who played 100 Test matches for England and 341 first-class games for Surrey, was ill for a long time. He was hospitalised in 2022, right after he took up the role of Afghanistan’s head coach, but couldn't continue because of his health issues.
A batter known for his touch play and grit, he scored 6,744 runs for England in Test cricket at an average of 44.66, with 16 centuries, including a hundred on debut. He also played 82 ODI games, averaging 37.18 with the bat.
After his cricketing career, he took up various coaching and batting consultant roles for teams, including England and Surrey. In 2006, Queen Elizabeth awarded him the Member of the British Empire (MBE).
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expressed their condolences on his passing in a statement.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away,” the statement said. “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.”
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