Graham Thorpe, the legendary England cricketer and former coach, has passed away at the age of 55. Renowned for his exceptional batting skills, Thorpe played a pivotal role in England’s cricket history, scoring 16 centuries in a distinguished 12-year international career. Tributes have poured in from the cricketing world, with Michael Vaughan and Ben Stokes among those honoring the memory of the 100-Test batter.
Career Highlights
International Debut and Ashes Century: Thorpe made his international debut in 1993, marking the occasion with a century in his first Ashes appearance—a feat that hadn’t been achieved by an England player in 20 years.
Impressive Test Record: Over his 100 Test matches, Thorpe maintained an impressive average of 44.7, scoring 16 centuries. His highest score was an unbeaten 200.
Memorable Innings: One of Thorpe’s most iconic performances came in 2000 against Pakistan in Karachi, where he played a crucial innings of 64 not out in near-darkness to secure England’s first series win in Pakistan in 39 years.
ODI Contributions: Thorpe also made significant contributions in One Day Internationals (ODIs), playing 77 matches and accumulating over 2,000 runs.
Tributes and Legacy
Michael Vaughan: Former England captain Vaughan expressed his sorrow on social media, praising Thorpe as a great player and team-mate, and acknowledging his significant influence on his own career.
Ben Stokes: Current England all-rounder Stokes shared a heartfelt tribute with a picture of Thorpe, recognizing his impact and legacy in English cricket.
Ben Duckett: England opener Ben Duckett described Thorpe as a hero from his childhood and expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to work with him.
Coaching and Post-Playing Career
Transition to Coaching: After retiring in 2006, Thorpe began his coaching career in Australia, working with New South Wales and mentoring future stars like Steve Smith and David Warner.
Role with England: Thorpe returned to England as a batting coach and served as an assistant coach for the national team. He stepped up to lead the team during a Test match in Sydney in 2022 due to Chris Silverwood’s COVID-19 diagnosis.
Personal Life and Final Years
Graham Thorpe was celebrated not only for his cricketing achievements but also for his character and dedication to the sport. Despite facing challenges towards the end of his coaching career, including a controversial incident during the Ashes series, Thorpe remained a respected figure in cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement expressing deep sadness at Thorpe’s passing, highlighting his contributions both as a player and coach. The cricket community mourns the loss of one of its greats, and Thorpe’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
