The cricketing world is in mourning following the tragic news of former England cricket legend Graham Thorpe’s passing at the age of 55. Thorpe, a celebrated batter and respected coach, succumbed to a serious illness that he had been battling since 2022. His death marks the end of an era for English cricket, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Source : zee
Graham Thorpe’s cricketing journey began with Surrey, where he made his first-class debut in 1988. Over the next 17 years, he became one of the most reliable and stylish left-handed batters in the game. Thorpe’s international career spanned from 1993 to 2005, during which he played exactly 100 Test matches and 82 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for England. He amassed 6,744 runs in Test cricket, including 16 centuries, at an impressive average of 44.66
Source:- BBC news
Thorpe’s debut Test century came against Australia in 1993, where he scored an unbeaten 114 in the second innings. His highest Test score of 200 not out was achieved against New Zealand in 2002. Known for his gritty and unfussy batting style, Thorpe was a mainstay in England’s middle order throughout the 1990s and early 2000s
After retiring from international cricket in 2005, Thorpe transitioned into coaching, where he continued to make significant contributions to the sport. He began his coaching career in Australia with New South Wales before joining the England setup in 2010. Thorpe served as a batting coach for the England men’s team, helping to guide some of the best talents in the country to remarkable victories across all formats of the game
In March 2022, Thorpe was appointed head coach of the Afghanistan national team. Unfortunately, his tenure was cut short due to his illness, and he was unable to take up the role. Despite this setback, Thorpe’s impact on the cricketing world remained profound, with many players and colleagues expressing their admiration and respect for his contributions
The news of Thorpe’s passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from the cricketing community. England captain Ben Stokes, former teammate Michael Vaughan, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have all expressed their deep sorrow and condolences. Stokes, who wore a shirt in Thorpe’s honor in 2022, described him as a “legend” and a “great man” who had gone far too soon
The ECB released a statement saying, “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”
Graham Thorpe’s legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and coaching achievements. He was a player who embodied resilience, determination, and sportsmanship. His contributions to Surrey and England cricket have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of cricketers
Thorpe’s former county, Surrey, also paid tribute to him, with chair Oli Slipper describing him as “one of the great sons” of the county. “There is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again,” Slipper said. “He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans”
The passing of Graham Thorpe is a significant loss to the cricketing world. His remarkable career, both as a player and a coach, has left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and influence the sport. As fans and colleagues remember his contributions, Thorpe’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who admired and respected him.
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